Coherent magneto-optical resonances on the potassium D2 line in Hanle configuration for magnetometry applications

Abstract

The coherent magneto-optical resonances on the potassium D2 line are investigated from the point of view of magnetometry applications. The measurements are performed in Hanle configuration with potassium excited by circularly polarized laser beam in cell with dimensions 8 mm and buffer gas 30 Torr Ne. The parameters of the resonances registered in fluorescence and transmission are compared. The capability of the laser system to work with magnetically unshielded cell is demonstrated. The registration of bright and dark magneto-optical resonances detected in fluorescence by controlling the optical thickness of potassium vapor is discussed. The influence of the laser power and transverse magnetic field are considered. The experimental results show the potential of the system for magnetic field sensing and calibration.