Strong resonance reflection of polarized light from an alkali vapor

Resonance reflection of light from the interface between a dielectric and an alkali vapor is studied. Two cases are considered in which a laser light beam is polarized either parallel or perpendicular to the plane of incidence. Upon scanning of the frequency of the incident laser radiation, in the first case, the reflection conditions vary from approximately the conditions of Brewster reflection to the conditions characteristics of total internal reflection. In the second case, the Brewster reflection conditions are not realized, and the variations in the intensity of the reflected light observed upon frequency scanning are smaller. The rotation of the plane of polarization and the laser frequency tuning make it possible to rapidly switch between these reflection conditions.