Spin-noise spectroscopy under resonant optical probing conditions: Coherent and nonlinear effects

Abstract

Highly sensitive Faraday rotation spectroscopy is used to measure the fluctuating magnetization noise of noninteracting rubidium atoms under resonant and nonresonant optical probing conditions. The spin-noise frequency spectra, in conjunction with the probe light detuning with respect to the D2 transition, reveal clear signatures of coherent coupling of the participating electronic levels. The results are explained by extended Bloch equations, including homogeneous and inhomogeneous broadening mechanisms. Our measurements further indicate that spin noise originating from excited states is governed at high intensities by collective effects. © 2011 American Physical Society.