High-Contrast Dark Resonances on the D1 Line of Alkali Metals in the Field of Counterpropagating Waves.

A new method providing a significant increase in the amplitude and contrast of dark resonances is proposed. The method is based on the use of the σ₊–σ_– configuration of polarized counterpropagating waves, D₁-line excitation in alkali metal atoms, and small-sized cells. Qualitative considerations of the scheme are confirmed by the results of numerical calculations. A variant of a standing wave with homogeneous circular polarization is also discussed. © 2004 MAIK “Nauka / Interperiodica”. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]