REFLECTION SPECTROSCOPY OF SPIN-POLARIZED ATOMS NEAR A DIELECTRIC SURFACE

We compare the interactions of spin-polarized Na with glass surfaces t hat are either bare or silicone coated. For this purpose, we reflect a laser beam that is resonant with the Na atoms from the interface, usi ng an angle of incidence close to the critical angle of total internal reflection. Polarization-selective detection of the reflected light p rovides information about the ground-state orientation of the atoms, w hich is created by optical pumping with a second laser beam. Our theor etical description treats the atomic vapor as a homogeneous anisotropi c medium characterized by a macroscopic magnetization. Comparative exp erimental studies performed with silicone-coated and bare glass surfac es provide evidence that wall relaxation can be observed by reflection spectroscopy. (C) 1996 Optical Society of America