Magneto-optic rotation for an arbitrary field direction

Abstract

We give a theory of magneto-optic rotation and pseudorotation spectra for forbidden transitions. The case considered is that of a weak magnetic field at an arbitrary angle to the direction of light of low intensity passing through a dilate atomic vapour. The theory is applied to the 1279 nm M1 transition in atomic lead and the 1283 nm M1/E2 transition in atomic thallium. Experimental Voigt and Faraday effect data for lead measured in a sensitive optical polarimeter provide confirmation of the predicted profiles.