Optical stabilization of Rb vapor density above thermal equilibrium

Year: 2010

Authors: Burchianti A., Bogi A., Marinelli C., Mariotti E., Moi L.

Autors Affiliation: CNISM and Physics Department, University of Siena, Via Roma 56, 53100 Siena, Italy

Abstract: We stabilize the Rb vapor density above its thermal equilibrium value in sealed glass cells, which are generally used in atomic physics experiments. The method relies on light-induced desorption of Rb atoms from dielectric surfaces. The process does not demand high light intensities so that LEDs or laser diodes can be used as desorbing sources. The experiments are carried out in Pyrex cells either coated with a polydimethylsiloxane film or containing a porous glass sample. Under illumination both the organic coating and the porous sample release a large amount of Rb atoms into the cell volume. We show that the Rb vapor density can be maintained to a preset value, using a desorbing light intensity controlled by a feedback signal given by the Rb absorption or fluorescence level. Moreover, we find that the stabilization technique does not depend on the microscopic mechanisms underlying photodesorption.

Journal/Review: JOURNAL OF MODERN OPTICS

Volume: 57 (14-15)      Pages from: 1305  to: 1310

KeyWords: Alkali-vapor cells; Cell volume; desorption induced by photon stimulation; Dielectric surface; Feedback signal; Fluorescence level; Laser diodes; Light intensity; Microscopic mechanisms; Optical stabilization; Organic films; Photo-desorption; Physics experiments; Porous glass; Porous samples; Rb vapors; Sealed glass; Stabilization techniques; Thermal equilibriums, Atomic spectroscopy; Desorption; Glass; Organic coatings; Photons; Plastic films; Rubidium; Silicones; Stabilization; Thermodynamics; Vapors, Atoms
DOI: 10.1080/09500341003605429

Citations: 5
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