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

We demonstrate the production of an electric field inside a high temperatur e 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 ce sium 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 pro vides a reversible longitudinal E-field of up to 2 kV/cm in the vapor at a density of similar to 2 x 10(14) at/cm(3) without discharge. Atomic signals attest the application of the electric field in the cell, with the predict ed value. Further improvements obtained with sapphire cells are also presen ted.