Doppler-free spectroscopy using magnetically induced dichroism of atomic vapor: a new scheme for laser frequency locking

T. Petelski; M. Fattori; G. Lamporesi; J. Stuhler; G. M. Tino

doi:10.1140/epjd/e2002-00238-4

EPJ

Doppler-free spectroscopy using magnetically induced dichroism of atomic vapor: a new scheme for laser frequency locking

T. Petelski, M. Fattori, G. Lamporesi, J. Stuhler and G. M. Tino

Dipartimento di Fisica, LENS – Università di Firenze; INFN – Sezione di Firenze, Polo Scientifico dell'Università di Firenze, Via Sansone 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy

Received: 15 October 2002
Published online: 17 December 2002

Abstract

We demonstrate a Doppler-free spectroscopic method that we test on ⁸⁷Rb and ⁸⁵Rb vapor. By using a magnetic field to induce a dichroism on the sample, we generate a dispersive signal with low background, which allows us to lock a diode laser even on small spectroscopic features. We elaborate the advantages of this simple and easy method by comparing it to other methods.

PACS: 39.30.+w – Spectroscopic techniques / 33.55.Ad – Optical activity, optical rotation; circular dichroism