Abstract
We present an experimental study of nonlinear lensing of near-resonant light by a cloud of laser-cooled rubidium atoms, specifically aimed at understanding the role of the interaction time between the light and the atomic vapor. We identify four different nonlinear mechanisms, each associated with a different time constant: electronic nonlinearity, Zeeman optical pumping, hyperfine optical pumping and radiation pressure. Our observations can be quite accurately reproduced using a simple rate equation model which allows for a straightforward discussion of the various effects. The results are important for planning more refined experiments on transverse nonlinear optics and self-organization in samples of cold atoms.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 337-348 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | European Physical Journal D: Atomic, Molecular, Optical and Plasma Physics |
Volume | 41 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Feb 2007 |
Keywords
- optical-patter formation
- coherent back scattering
- sodium vapor
- beams