Abstract Using rate equation formalism, we got an analytic expression describing the optical pumping of an alkali atomic beam in strong megnetic fields. By comparing with the traditional description in single velocity approximation, the influence of velocity distribution in a practical alkali atomic beam on the pumping effect was quantitatively discussed. It turned out that the rate equation treatment in velocity approximation might result in an error within twenty percent. Laser optical pumping of 7Li atomic beam in a strong magnetic field (0.15T) was experimentally studied, and the results are in agreement with the theory in which the velocity distribution is taken into account.
Received: 29 December 1991
Accepted manuscript online:
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