Atomic polarization visualized

A method of visualizing atomic polarization as a surface in three dimensions is described. The technique is used to illustrate the evolution of polarized atoms in external electric and magnetic fields. This can aid in the understanding of experiments involving the evolution of atomic polarization, such as optical rotation experiments and measurements of discrete symmetry violations in atomic systems. [C] 2001 American Association of Physics Teachers. [DOI: 10.1119/1.1344166]