From Physics 111-Lab Wiki

All the pages in this lab

I. Optical Pumping

II. Staff Sign-off Sheet (OPT)

III. Error Analysis Notes

IV. Data Analysis (OPT)

V. Optical Signal vs Temperature

VI. Photodiode Data Sheet

VII. DS345 Manual

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Student's name ______________________________________________________________

Partner's Name ______________________________________________________________

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Pre-lab Discussion Questions

View the Optical Pumping video.

It is your responsibility to discuss this lab with an instructor on the first day of your scheduled laboratory period. This signed sheet must be included as the first page of your report. Without it you will lose 1/3 of a letter grade. You should think about and be prepared to discuss at least the following before you come to lab:

1. What is optical pumping? Draw qualitative energy level diagrams for Rb⁸⁵ and Rb⁸⁷ showing fine, hyperfine, and Zeeman splittings. Show the transitions between these levels that are important to this experiment. Include these drawings in your write-up. (Do not draw an energy level diagram of a hypothetical atom as described in “Scientific American;” keep your treatment specific.)
2. For our rubidium system, what is the pumping process? Where is the pumped level? Where is the RF transition?
3. Why do we modulate (vary) the external magnetic field? How would we take data if the field were not modulated?
4. How will you determine the resonance frequency? How can you best estimate the error? Will the modulation amplitude affect your result? What data will you take, and what plots will you make?

Staff Signature ___________________________________________________ Date ______________

Completed on the first day of lab? (circle) Yes / No

Mid-lab Questions

On day 2 of this lab, you should have successfully produced a plot of frequency versus current for at least one rubidium isotope, and have made an estimate of the earth’s magnetic field. Show them to an instructor and ask for a signature.

Staff Signature ___________________________________________________ Date ______________

Completed on the second day of lab? (circle) Yes / No

INCLUDE THIS SHEET AS THE FIRST PAGE OF YOUR REPORT