UC Berkeley

Nonlinear magneto-optical processes are a rich source of interesting and useful phenomena, with both practical and fundamental-physics applications. Theoretical modeling is helpful for understanding and visualizing the mechanisms for nonlinear magneto-optical effects (NMOE), and for analyzing and optimizing devices based on these effects. Part I of this Thesis describes Bloch-equation methods and visualization techniques that can be used to model a wide variety of NMOE in atomic vapors. Part II presents several applications of the methods, including the investigation and visualization of a specific effect involving radio-frequency fields, a study of the general consequences of hyperfine structure on NMOE, and modeling and optimization of systems for laser guide stars. Appendices present additional mathematical material and describe a Mathematica package used for density-matrix calculations.