• M. Bruvelis
  • A. Cinins
  • A. Leitis
  • D. K. Efimov
  • N. N. Bezuglov
  • A. S. Chirtsov
  • F. Fuso
  • A. Ekers
The time-dependent population dynamics of hyperfine (HF) levels of n 2 p 3/2 states is examined for cyclic transitions in alkali atoms. We study a slow and cold atomic beam of Na (n = 3) and Cs (n = 6), taking into account the long interaction time of light with atoms (~200 μs) inside the resonant laser beam. Simple analytical expressions for the populations of the excited states and for the intensities of the absorption lines are derived for a three-level system model. We show that at moderate pump laser power the mixing of HF levels is sufficient to form a flow of population from a cyclic transition to partially open transitions. We discuss various phenomena associated with the evolution of optical pumping that cannot be explained by general analysis of two-level system model.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages11
JournalOptics and Spectroscopy (English translation of Optika i Spektroskopiya)
Volume119
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2015

ID: 3970517