Atomic-vapor density change due to light induced atomic desorption (LIAD) is studied in paraffin-coated rubidium, cesium, sodium, and potassium cells. In the present experiment, low-intensity probe light is used to obtain an absorption spectrum and measure the vapor density, while light from an argon-ion laser, array of light emitting diodes, or discharge lamp is used for desorption. Potassium is found to exhibit significantly weaker LIAD from paraffin compared to Rb and Cs, and we were unable to observe LIAD with sodium. A simple LIAD model is applied to describe the observed vapor-density dynamics, and the role of the cell's stem is explored through the use of cells with lockable stems. Stabilization of Cs vapor density above its equilibrium value over $25\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{min}$ is demonstrated. The results of this work could be used to assess the use of LIAD for vapor-density control in magnetometers, clocks, and gyroscopes utilizing coated cells.Atomic-vapor density change due to light induced atomic desorption (LIAD) is studied in paraffin-coated rubidium, cesium, sodium, and potassium cells. In the present experiment, low-intensity probe light is used to obtain an absorption spectrum and measure the vapor density, while light from an argon-ion laser, array of light emitting diodes, or discharge lamp is used for desorption. Potassium is found to exhibit significantly weaker LIAD from paraffin compared to Rb and Cs, and we were unable to observe LIAD with sodium. A simple LIAD model is applied to describe the observed vapor-density dynamics, and the role of the cell's stem is explored through the use of cells with lockable stems. Stabilization of Cs vapor density above its equilibrium value over $25\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{min}$ is demonstrated. The results of this work could be used to assess the use of LIAD for vapor-density control in magnetometers, clocks, and gyroscopes utilizing coated cells.

arXiv:0806.0663Physical Review AJan 14, 200963 citations

Light-induced atomic desorption under different types of illumination

Marian A. Taslakov, S. Tsvetkov, S. Gateva

We studied the light-induced atomic desorption (LIAD) at different geometries and homogeneities of cell illumination. An original system for homogeneous illumination of the cells was developed and the Rb D2 line absorption spectra in several uncoated and coated cells were compared without illumination, with single-side illumination and with homogeneous illumination. The transmission as a function of the illumination intensity and the tuning direction was measured. The absorption coefficients with and without illumination of the stem were compared. The system developed for homogeneous illumination increases the efficiency of the LIAD, enables the investigation of LIAD without lateral diffusion, prevents cluster formation and reduces the influence of the stem. A good knowledge of the factors influencing the alkali atom spectra will be useful not only for the development of new LIAD-loaded atomic devices and their miniaturization, but also for the study of atom-dielectric surface interactions and the development of new all-optical methods for surface and coating diagnostics.We studied the light-induced atomic desorption (LIAD) at different geometries and homogeneities of cell illumination. An original system for homogeneous illumination of the cells was developed and the Rb D2 line absorption spectra in several uncoated and coated cells were compared without illumination, with single-side illumination and with homogeneous illumination. The transmission as a function of the illumination intensity and the tuning direction was measured. The absorption coefficients with and without illumination of the stem were compared. The system developed for homogeneous illumination increases the efficiency of the LIAD, enables the investigation of LIAD without lateral diffusion, prevents cluster formation and reduces the influence of the stem. A good knowledge of the factors influencing the alkali atom spectra will be useful not only for the development of new LIAD-loaded atomic devices and their miniaturization, but also for the study of atom-dielectric surface interactions and the development of new all-optical methods for surface and coating diagnostics.

Journal of Physics Conference SeriesMay 15, 20145 citations

25\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{min}

is demonstrated. The results of this work could be used to assess the use of LIAD for vapor-density control in magnetometers, clocks, and gyroscopes utilizing coated cells.