Patent ID: 6589793
Filing Date: 2003-07-08
Classification: G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
A device for the determination of the absolute polarization of alkali metal atoms, said device including a sample cell for uptake of alkali metal, a coil pair for creation of a B0 magnetic field in the sample cell, coils which create an oscillating magnetic field perpendicular to the magnetic field lines of the B0 magnetic field, a semiconductor diode laser for detecting the polarization of the alkali metal atoms, said laser being arranged to pass light through the sample cell perpendicular to the magnetic field lines of the B0 magnetic field, a sensor for measuring the intensity of the light after passage through the sample cell and providing a signal corresponding with the measured intensity, an electronic processor for evaluating the signal measured by the sensor and thereby determining the absolute polarization of alkali metal atoms in the sample cell, a carriage displaceable parallel to the magnetic field lines of the B0 field having said laser and sensor mounted on said carriage, and means for controlling the temperature of the laser, the means including an electronic system providing a constant current for operating the laser, a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the laser, a heating/cooling device for heating or cooling the laser, and a control device for controlling the heating cooling device depending on the measured temperature of the laser to maintain the laser temperature so that laser temperature fluctuations do not exceed one thousandth of a degree centigrade per hour.