Self-rotation of optical polarization in rubidium vapor

Abstract

We present an experimental and theoretical study of self-rotation ofoptical polarization in a rubidium vapor. The atomic vapor is placed ina magnetic shielding cavity to suppress the Faraday rotation effect. Inour experiment, Doppler-free spectroscopy configuration is used, and F =2 -> F' = 3 transition of Rb-87 D2 line is chosen. We observeself-rotation of optical polarization effect at different pump lightellipticities. A theoretical analysis is then provided based on theexperimental conditions. Theoretical simulation and experimental resultsare in good agreement.