Abstract

We report results of an experiment which demonstrates switching of the polarization state of the output of a near-concentric Fabry-Perot containing sodium vapour, excited via the homogeneously broadened Dl transition. An example of the output, for linearly polarized laser input, at 1.5 GHz below line centre (illustrated in figure 1) shows switching with hysteresis at high input power (~400 mW) due to saturation, as well as the switching at lower power (~200 mW) due to optical pumping effects.

© 1983 Optical Society of America