Effect of Zeeman Depopulation Pumping on Cycling Atomic Transitions

The results of an investigation of fluorescence signal at 6S_1/2 (F_g = 4) → 6P_3/2 (F_e = 5) transition of D₂ line of atomic Cs vapor versus the magnetic field (up to B = 90 G), directed along the linear polarization of exciting light are presented. The recorded reduction of fluorescence in the magnetic field, which is especially strong at high intensity of laser radiation, is explained by conversion of the Zeeman optical pumping (the alignment) into the depopulation pumping under conditions, when the Zeeman frequency shift of individual transitions between magnetic sublevels exceeds the homogeneous width of transition. In consequence, the cycling hyperfine transition F_g = 4 → F_e = 5 is transformed into an open one.