Cyclic interaction of Na atoms with circularly polarized laser radiation

Cyclic interaction of Na atoms with laser radiation is under consideration. In the experiment cyclic interaction was conducted through preliminary optical pumping of the atom into the ground state F = 2, M_F = 2 by a single-mode cw dye laser. The results of optical orientation of Na atom and cyclic interaction under different conditions of atomic excitation are presented. Possible applications of cyclic interaction of atom with radiation for detection and cooling of atoms is under discussion.