  In this study we explored the possibilities for observing the angular
momentum alignment-to-orientation conversion (AOC) in the ground state of
various alkali metals: K, Rb, Cs. For theoretical analysis we used a model that
is based on the Optical Bloch equations for the density matrix. Our model
includes the interaction of all neighboring hyperfine levels with laser
radiation, the mixing of magnetic sublevels in an external magnetic field, the
coherence properties of the exciting laser radiation, and the Doppler effect.
Additionally we simulated signals where the ground- or the excited-state
coherent processes were numerically switched off in order to determine the
origins of the features of the obtained signals. We also performed experiments
on Cs atoms with two laser beams: a linearly polarized Cs $D_1$ pump and
circularly polarized Cs $D_2$ probe. We used the pump beam to create angular
momentum alignment in the ground state and observed the transmission signal of
the probe beam as we changed the magnetic field. A detailed analysis of the
experimentally obtained transmission signal from a single circularly polarized
probe laser component is provided. Finally, prospects for observing AOC
conversion experimentally are discussed, as well as experiments were even a
weak AOC signal could lead to systematic errors.
