Nonlinear Faraday rotation for optical limitation.

The possible use of the nonlinear Faraday effect for optical limitation of the laser power is investigated in a resonant Faraday medium placed between two crossed polarizers. The results are comparable with those obtained at strong magnetic fields as a result of the linear Faraday effect. Advantages of the method are the narrow bandwidth and the wide field of view. The investigations are interesting from the viewpoint of applications for optical sensor protection and automation of the experiment. All measurements are performed at the F(g) = 2 --> F(e) = 1 hyperfine structure transition of the 87Rb D1 line.