Compact atomic vapor cells fabricated by laser-induced heating of hollow-core glass fibers

A method for fabricating atomic vapor cells with physical dimensions of order 1 mm(3) or below is described. Cells with integrated lenses are made from hollow-core glass fiber, and fused shut at either end using highly localized heating from a CO2 laser beam. Such cells, subsequently loaded with alkali atoms and a buffer gas, could form the basis for future generations of compact frequency references or magnetometers. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.