Date of Award

10-15-2007

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Applied Physics

Department

Department of Engineering Physics

First Advisor

Timothy H. Russell, PhD

Abstract

The goal of this research was to demonstrate the possibility of collision broadening in a cesium-filled, hollow-core fiber as an alternative to the proven technique of pressure broadening. Theoretically, alkali electrons should relax from the 2P3/2 to the 2P1/2 level and the absorption spectrum should collisionally broaden due to the presence of fiber walls, as opposed to the more common pressure broadening method. An absorption dip located at 852.34nm was recorded in a pressure broadened comparison leg. This data was used as a baseline during analysis of the fiber leg's data. While the fiber was successfully exposed to the cesium under safe, controlled conditions, unexpected fluctuation in both the coupling efficiency and laser power levels resulted in the inability to record an absorption dip in the final data. As a result, an investigation of the fundamental assumptions and theory supporting this experiment was conducted. It was discovered that the current design does not provide an adequate opportunity for cesium to make its way into the fiber core, thus negating the possibility of achieving the desired collision broadening data. Recommendations are made as to how to improve this experiment for future study, founded on both theoretical calculations and experience gained in the lab. This research does not provide evidence of the ability to fill hollow-core fibers with alkali gas. Rather, it exposes the complexity of putting the theory of collisional broadening into practice and provides suggestions on how to succeed in the next attempt.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GAP-ENP-07-S01

DTIC Accession Number

ADA476946

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