Spectroscopic measurements of the evanescent wave polarization state

Abstract We applied optogalvanic spectroscopy to observe Zeeman effect in the evanescent wave in Ar gas with the help of a single-mode diode laser. The use of an homogenous external magnetic field enabled us to observe different π and σ Zeeman split lines contribution. We studied two orthogonal directions of external magnetic field and two orthogonal polarizations of the incident wave with respect to the plane of incidence. The analysis of relative line strengths leads to the determination of the polarization state of the evanescent wave.