Laser physics and spectroscopy in alkali vapor-noble gas mixtures

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).

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Electrical & Computer Engr

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2016

Author dc:creator

• Mironov, Andrey

Contributors dc:contributor

• Eden, James Gary
• Carney, Paul Scott
• Cunningham, Brian T.
• Gruebele, Martin

• Spectroscopy
• photoassociation
• alkali lasers
• laser efficiency
• optical pumping
• circular polarization
• spin exchange

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2016 Andrey Mironov

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/92766

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F92766