Absorption spectroscopy and Stokes polarimetry in a 87Rb vapour in the Voigt geometry with a 1.5 T external magnetic field

This paper provides details of a spectroscopic investigation of a thermal Rb-87 atomic vapour. The experiment was conducted with an external magnetic field of 1.5 T in the Voigt geometry. Very good quantitative agreement between experimental data and theory is found for all four Stokes parameters-with RMS errors of similar to 1.5% in all cases. From the fits to our experimental data a value for the magnetic field strength is extracted, along with the angle between the magnetic field and the polarisation of the light. The effects of the cell window birefringence on the optical rotation signals are characterised. This allows us to carry out precise measurements at a high field strength and arbitrary geometries, allowing further development of possible areas of application for atomic magnetometers.

Automated summary

This study conducted a spectroscopic investigation on thermal Rb-87 atomic vapour with a 1.5 T external magnetic field in the Voigt geometry. The experimental data showed very good quantitative agreement with theory, allowing extraction of parameters such as magnetic field strength and angle between the magnetic field and polarisation of light. Characterisation of cell window birefringence effects on optical rotation signals was also performed, facilitating precise measurements and potential applications for atomic magnetometers.