Ultrahigh-Q isotropically sensitive optical filter employing atomic resonance transitions

Journal Article · Thu Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 1979 · J. Appl. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.326074· OSTI ID:6484092

Marling, J B; Nilsen, J; West, L C; Wood, L L

A new resonance principle in optical filters has been utilized to simultaneously permit realization of wide field-of-view (approx.2..pi.. sr) and very narrow acceptance bandwidths, approaching 0.01 A. A light signal is transmitted through an outer bandpass filter into a resonantly absorbing atomic vapor, resulting in a fluorescence signal at a different wavelength which is transmitted through an inner bandpass filter. The outer and inner bandpass filters have no common transmission band, resulting in complete blockage of all optical signals (background noise) that are not resonantly shifted in wavelength by the intervening atomic vapor. This ''resonance filter'' principle is experimentally verified, and system parameters are discussed for filters utilizing potassium, rubidium, or cesium vapor at nine wavelengths between 420 and 532 nm.

• Research Organization: University of California, Lawrence Livermore Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550
• OSTI ID: 6484092
• Journal Information: J. Appl. Phys.; (United States), Vol. 50:2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
CESIUM
OPTICAL FILTERS
POTASSIUM
RUBIDIUM
CAVITY RESONATORS
EFFICIENCY
ENERGY ABSORPTION
ENERGY-LEVEL TRANSITIONS
EXCITATION
FLUORESCENCE
OPTICAL PUMPING
RESONANCE ABSORPTION
SENSITIVITY
SPECTRAL SHIFT
VAPORS
ABSORPTION
ALKALI METALS
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
ELEMENTS
FILTERS
FLUIDS
GASES
LUMINESCENCE
METALS
RESONATORS
420300* - Engineering- Lasers- (-1989)