A demonstration apparatus for optical pumping of rubidium

Update Item Information
Publication Type honors thesis
School or College College of Science
Department Physics and Astronomy
Faculty Mentor Brian Saam
Creator Lee, Charles Chang Suk
Title A demonstration apparatus for optical pumping of rubidium
Year graduated 2015
Date 2015-05
Description Optical pumping refers to the use of light in order to elevate ("pump") the spin (intrinsic angular momentum) of an atom or molecule. This process is of interest from a pedagogical and experimental perspective because it encapsulates fundamental properties of atomic physics and quantum mechanics. Funded in part by the Office of Undergraduate Research at the University of Utah, an apparatus has been constructed for the optical pumping of rubidium atoms by resonance with a semiconductor laser. Intended specially for demonstration use in the classroom, the device is noteworthy for its compact dimensions, portability, simplicity of operation, and substantial economy relative to commercially marketed apparatus. The present work treats the theory of optical pumping, construction and architecture of the apparatus, and interpretation of selected optical-pumping phenomena demonstrated by the device.
Type Text
Publisher University of Utah
Subject Optical pumping -- Research Spin exchange -- Research Rubidium isotopes -- Research
Language eng
Rights Management (c) Charles Chang Suk Lee
Format Medium application/pdf
Format Extent 2,308,230 bytes
Identifier etd3/id/3591
Permissions Reference URL https://collections.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6226pc9
ARK ark:/87278/s6pg50z0
Setname ir_htoa
ID 197143
Reference URL https://collections.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6pg50z0
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