Study of forbidden atomic transitions on $D_2$ line using Rb nano-cell placed in external magnetic field

Abstract

By experimental exploration of the so-called $\lambda$-Zeeman technique based on Rb nano-cell use we reveal for the first time a strong modification of the probability of the ${}^{87}$Rb, $D_2$ line $F_g=1\to F_e=0,1,2,3$ atomic transitions, including forbidden $F_g=1,m_F=0\to F_e=1,m_F=0$ and $F_g=1,m_F=-1\to F_e=3,m_F=-1$ transitions (these are forbidden transitions when $B=0$) in a strong external magnetic field $B$ in the range of 100 - 1100 G. For $\pi$-polarized exciting diode laser radiation ($\lambda =780$ nm) these forbidden transitions at $B>150$ G are among the strongest atomic transitions in the detected transmission spectra. Frequency shifts of the individual hyperfine transitions versus magnetic field are also presented: particularly, $F_g=1,m_F=+1\to F_e=1,m_F=+1$ atomic transition has a unique behavior, since its frequency remains practically unchanged when $B$ varies from 100 to 1100 G. Developed theoretical model well describes the experiment.

12 pages