Laser physics and spectroscopy in alkali vapor-noble gas mixtures

Abstract

Experiments are described in which the lower excited states of alkali-rare gas diatomic molecules are probed in alkali vapor-noble gas mixtures by laser spectroscopy. A two color scheme for pumping the alkali D2 line laser has been demonstrated that offers a quantum efficiency above one. More than 100 cm^-1 of thermal energy is extracted from the gain medium for every laser photon. An optical amplifier based on free-free transition of alkali-rare gas pairs has been demonstrated in the 793.3-794.3 nm region of the spectrum. Lasing on specific hyperfine atomic transitions-and, as a result, a 50% D2 line laser efficiency increase-has been demonstrated when alkali vapor-noble gas mixtures are pumped with a circularly polarized light in contrast to a classical pumping scheme (linearly polarized light).