Eur. Phys. J. D (2012) 66: 119
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjd/e2012-20687-2

Regular Article

Study of “forbidden” atomic transitions on D₂ line using Rb nano-cell placed in external magnetic field

¹ Institute for Physical Research, NAS of Armenia, 0203 Ashtarak, Armenia
² Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire Carnot de Bourgogne, UMR CNRS 5209, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon Cedex 21078, France

^a e-mail: Yevgenya.pashayan-leroy@u-bourgogne.fr

Received: 29 November 2011
Received in final form: 27 January 2012
Published online: 17 May 2012

Abstract

By experimental exploration of the so-called λ-Zeeman technique based on Rb nano-cell use we reveal for the first time a strong modification of the probabilities of ⁸⁷Rb D₂ line F_g = 1 → F_e = 0, 1, 2, 3 atomic transitions, including “forbidden” F_g = 1,m_F = 0 → F_e = 1, m_F = 0 and F_g = 1,m_F =  −1 → F_e = 3, m_F =  −1 transitions (these are “forbidden” transitions when B = 0) in a strong external magnetic field B in the range of 100−1100 G. For π-polarized exciting diode laser radiation (λ = 780 nm) these “forbidden” transitions at B > 150 G are among the strongest atomic transitions in the detected transmission spectra. The frequency shifts of the individual hyperfine transitions versus magnetic field are also presented: particularly, F_g = 1,m_F =  +1 → F_e = 1, m_F =  +1 atomic transition has a unique behavior, since its frequency remains practically unchanged when B varies from 100 to 1100 G. The developed theoretical model well describes the experiment.