Observation of Zeeman shift in the rubidium D2 line using an optical nanofiber in vapor

We report on the observation of a Zeeman shift (order of 100 MHz) of the Doppler-broadened D-2 transition of both Rb-85 and Rb-87 isotopes via transmission through a 400 nm diameter optical nanofiber in the presence of a DC magnetic field. Linearly-polarized light propagating in the nanofiber is analyzed as a superposition of two orthogonally circularly polarized orientations, sigma(+) and sigma(-). In the absence of the magnetic field, the absorption of these polarizations by the atomic vapor, via the evanescent field at the waist of the nanofiber, is degenerate. When a weak magnetic field is applied parallel to the propagating light, this degeneracy is lifted and relative shifts in the resonance frequencies are detected. Typical linear shift rates of 1.6 MHz/G and -2.0 MHz/G were observed. We also demonstrate a dichroic atomic vapor laser lock line shape by monitoring the real-time subtraction of the two magnetically-shifted absorption spectra. This is particularly interesting for magneto-optical experiments as it could be directly implemented for diode laser frequency-stabilization.