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 temperature 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 cesium 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 provides a reversible longitudinal E-field of up to 2 kV/cm in the vapor at a density of ∼ 2×10¹⁴ at/cm³ without discharge. Atomic signals attest the application of the electric field in the cell, with the predicted value. Further improvements obtained with sapphire cells are also presented. Received 15 September 2000