Implementation of a sapphire cell with external electrodes for laser excitation of a forbidden atomic transition in a pulsed E-field

Abstract:

We demonstrate the production of an electric field inside a high temperature cesium vapor cell with external electrodes. This external control of the electric field, which is not possible with a glass cell in presence of a cesium vapor, is achieved using a cell made of sapphire, and is of particular interest for our ongoing Parity Violation experiment. We describe the main components and the implementation on the set-up, including the pulsed high voltage generator. With pulse duration not exceeding 200 ns the system provides a reversible longitudinal E-field of up to 2 kV/cm in the vapor at a density of ∼ 2×10¹⁴ at/cm³ without discharge. Atomic signals attest the application of the electric field in the cell, with the predicted value. Further improvements obtained with sapphire cells are also presented.