All-optical vapor density control for electromagnetically induced transparency

We demonstrate the feasibility of coherent spectroscopy experiments in alkali vapors at room temperature by using an automatic all-optical atomic dispenser. The reliability of the system is proved by observing electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) resonances in siloxane-coated cells where large and stable K densities are achieved by light-controlled atomic desorption from the cell coating. The experimental results prove that this technique preserves the orientation of the atomic system, and, at the same time, allows a fine, continuous, and rapid control of the vapor density also suitable for magnetic-sensitive applications. (c) 2012 Optical Society of America