Abstract

We study the possibility of creating quantum superposition states in alkali atoms. Our methodology is based on the phenomenon of nonlinear magneto-optical rotation (NMOR) [1]. The effect of magneto-optical rotation occurs whenever the resonant light propagates through the medium immersed in a longitudinal magnetic field and manifests itself as a rotation of the polarization plane of light. The effect is strongly enhanced by the nonlinearity of light-atom interaction and allows state-of-the art atomic magnetometry [2].

© 2013 IEEE