Magnetically induced polarization switching for theF17−7F00570.68-nm transition of Sm i in a Fabry-Perot cavity

Preliminary results of experimental and theoretical behavior of a $J_{\mathrm{lower}=1\mathrm{}}$ to $J_{\mathrm{upper}=0\mathrm{}}$ ${(}^7$ ${\mathrm{F}}_1$ ${\mathrm{-}}^7$ ${\mathrm{F}}_0^0$, 570.68 nm in Sm i) transition in a laser-driven optical cavity are reported. Unlike a J=(1/2) to J=(1/2) transition, polarization asymmetry in the switching does not spontaneously appear in the absence of a magnetic field, owing to the effect of Zeeman coherence in the J=1 level. However, with a longitudinal magnetic field, polarization asymmetry in the switching does develop for symmetric driving; we describe this new effect as magnetically induced polarization switching.