Rabi Resonances in Buffer-Gas-Filled Cs-Vapor Cells for SI-Traceable Microwave Magnetic Field Detection

We describe a microwave (MW) magnetic-field detection technique based on the Rabi resonance of a Cs-buffer gas vapor cell. Inside the vapor cell, alkali atoms interact with MWs radiated from an antenna through an open-ended rectangular waveguide. We obtained the Rabi resonance line shape, which determines precisely the Rabi frequency of the MW magnetic field with a phase modulation frequency. For various vapor cells, a detailed characterization of several experimental parameters and a theoretical analysis were performed. The optimal laser intensity and the cell temperature that maximize the Rabi resonance amplitude are obtained. Moreover, the cell-temperature-based frequency shift of the Rabi resonance was investigated. These experimental results are important in developing future International System of Units-traceable MW magnetic field sensors and an MW power standard.