DAVLL lineshapes in atomic rubidium

A comprehensive study of the dichroic atomic vapour laser lock (DAVLL) lineshapes for the D2 transitions in atomic rubidium is presented. All four Doppler-broadened transitions ( 87 Rb F = 1 → F ', 87 Rb F = 2 → F ', 85 Rb F = 2 → F ' and 85 Rb F = 3 → F ' ) have been studied. We have characterized experimentally the dependence of the DAVLL lineshape on magnetic field, angle of the quarter-wave plate and cell temperature. We discuss the sensitivity of the spectra to these parameters, and highlight optimal operating parameters for use of DAVLL to generate laser frequency discriminant signals (laser 'locking').