Narrow structure in the coherent population trapping resonances in rubidium and Rayleigh scattering

The measurement of the coherent population trapping (CPT) resonances in uncoated Rb vacuum cells has shown that the shape of the resonances is different in different cells. In some cells the resonance has a complex shape-a narrow Lorentzian structure, which is not power broadened, superimposed on the power-broadened CPT resonance. The results of the performed investigations on the fluorescence angular distribution are in agreement with the assumption that the narrow structure is a result of atom interaction with Rayleigh-scattering light. The results are interesting for indication of the vacuum cleanness of the cells and building of magnetooptical sensors.