Intensity saturation and polarization rotation of magnetically induced second-harmonic radiation

We have observed saturation of the intensity of magnetically induced second-harmonic radiation in atomic sodium vapor and rotation of the polarization angle of the second-harmonic radiation from that of the fundamental field at the magnetic field of about 1 kG. These phenomena have been fully analyzed, and explained by the Hanle effect of the second-harmonic quadrupole moments observed in the forward direction. A possibility of measuring the transverse relaxation times of the E2 allowed transition is suggested.