MICROWAVE-SPECTRUM ASYMMETRY IN AN OPTICALLY PUMPED CESIUM BEAM RESONATOR

This paper deals with a theoretical and experimental study that describes the effect of a frequency detuning of the laser used to achieve optical pumping in a small optically pumped cesium beam resonator. The ground state Zeeman sublevels with opposite angular momentum are unequally populated, leading to an asymmetrical microwave spectrum. The relative population asymmetry as a function of the laser frequency has a dispersion-like shape. Its dependence on laser intensity, applied magnetic field, and laser linewidth is demonstrated for a laser at 852 mn and tuned to the (S1/2F)-S-2 = 3 --> (P3/2F)-P-2' = 3 transition of the Cs D-2 line. Finally, the effect of a slight laser detuning on the Rabi pulling frequency shift is discussed.