Axial Magnetic Field Effects on a Saturated He-Ne Laser Amplifier

摘要

The behavior of a He-Ne laser amplifier in the presence of an axial magnetic field has been studied experimentally by measuring Faraday rotation and gain for various values of input signal intensity. Two high gain transitions in the 3.39 micrometer region were used for study: a J = 1 to J = 2 transition and a J = 1 to J = 1 transition. Theoretical expressions have been developed which include the nonlinear effects of saturation strength signals. Experimental results clearly show saturation of Faraday rotation; in addition, for the J = 1 to J = 1 transition, a Faraday rotation reversal and a traveling wave magnetic field dip are seen. These results match the theoretical predictions and provide a method for measuring the upper (3s2) level quadrupole moment decay rate. (Author)