Optical pumping

[Niles]

Hi guys

As far as I have understood the technique of optical puming (OP), then if we look at the hyperfine state F=2 (for example), then OP can be used to prepare the atoms in the state F=2, mF=2, but not any other (i.e., lower) mF. Is there no technique for preparing atoms in a state with a lower mF?

Best,
Niles.

[JustinLevy]

Well, you can get mF=-2 by using the opposite circular polarization of the light you are pumping with. To get the inbetween states you need the atomic lines and your laser lines to be very narrow to select precisely the transitions you want. Some low temp atomic gas groups use multiple lasers tuned to just the right transitions to predominantly take the atoms along a specific path of transitions, so this in principle would be possible (however they aren't trying to get to the mF inbetween states, they are just working with much more complicated atoms).

[Niles]

Thanks!