Abstract: In a general aspect, a vapor cell includes a body defined by a stack of layers that includes electrically conductive layers and electrically insulating layers. The stack of layers are bonded to each other and have first and second end layers at respective opposite ends of the body. The stack of layers also has intermediate layers between the first and second end layers that define an internal cavity of the body. The internal cavity extends through the body between the first and second end layers and includes a vapor or a source of the vapor disposed therein. Adjacent electrically conductive layers are separated by at least one electrically insulating layer. Moreover, each electrically conductive layer defines an electrode of the vapor cell and includes a contact surface on an exterior side of the body. The contact surface defines an electrical contact of the electrode.

Abstract: In a general aspect, a method includes interacting a beam of light with a vapor in a vapor cell. The vapor cell includes a body defined by a stack of layers that includes electrically conductive layers and electrically insulating layers. The stack of layers are bonded to each other and have first and second end layers at respective opposite ends of the body. The stack of layers also has intermediate layers between the first and second end layers that define an internal cavity of the body. A vapor is disposed in the internal cavity. The method includes applying respective voltages to one or more electrodes to alter an electric field in the internal cavity. The method also includes measuring one or both of an ion signal based on charged particles in the vapor and an optical property of the beam of light after interacting with the vapor.