Two-Step Dichroic Atomic Vapor Laser Lock Using Electromagnetically Induced Transparency and Absorption

POSTER

Abstract

We demonstrate a technique to lock the frequency of a laser to a two-photon transition of Rb vapor in the presence of a weak magnetic field. We use a ladder configuration from specific hyperfine sublevels of the 5S$_{1/2}$, 5P$_{3/2}$, and 5D$_{5/2}$ levels. This transition shows Electromagnetically Induced Transparency and Absorption processes. The error signal comes from the difference in the transparency or absorption felt by the two orthogonal polarizations of the probe beam. A simplified model is in good quantitative agreement with the observed signals for the experimental parameters. We have used this technique to lock the frequency of the laser up to 1.5 GHz off atomic resonance.

Authors

  • Francisco E. Becerra

    Joint Quantum Institute, Department of Physics and NIST, College Park MD 20742, USA, Joint Quantum Institute, Department of Physics, University of Maryland, and National Institute of Standards and Technology, College Park, MD, U. S. A.

  • Richard T. Willis

    Joint Quantum Institute, Department of Physics and NIST, College Park MD 20742, USA, Joint Quantum Institute, Department of Physics, University of Maryland, and National Institute of Standards and Technology, College Park, MD, U. S. A.

  • Steven L. Rolston

    Joint Quantum Institute and Department of Physics, University of Maryland, National Institute of Standards and Technology, University of Maryland - Joint Quantum Institute, University of Maryland, Joint Quantum Institute, Department of Physics, University of Maryland, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Joint Quantum Institute, Department of Physics, University of Maryland, and National Institute of Standards and Technology, College Park, MD, U. S. A.

  • Luis A. Orozco

    University of Maryland--College Park, Joint Quantum Institute and Department of Physics, University of Maryland, Joint Quantum Institute, Department of Physics, University of Maryland, and National Institute of Standards and Technology, College Park, MD, U. S. A.