Date of Award

9-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Applied Physics

Department

Department of Engineering Physics

First Advisor

Jonathan W. Evans, PhD

Abstract

Stark broadening of the 42D → 122F transition of rubidium is examined in a rubidium vapor cell with modulated double pump-probe spectroscopy at helium pressures of 0.001 Torr, 3.0 Torr, and 30.0 Torr. A pressure dependent critical rubidium number density was observed after which the presence of electrons becomes dominant. It is observed that after the rubidium density threshold, a linear relationship is seen between rubidium number density and the Stark broadened width of the line shapes, with a slope of 0.079 ± 0.002, 0.18 ± 0.01, and 0.9 ± 0.1 for helium pressures of 0.001 Torr, 3.0 Torr, and 30.0 Torr respectively. The linear trend is thought to indicate that energy pooling is not the dominant mechanism for the ionization of the Rb, suggesting that the mechanism may be electron driven.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENP-MS-24-S-036

Comments

An embargo was observed for posting this thesis.

The document is Distribution A: Approved for public release, Distribution Unlimited. PA Case number 88ABW-2024-0745

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