Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Manipulation of ultracold atoms using magnetic and optical fields

Matthew J Pritchard

Published Jan 1, 2006• 3 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

The loading and guiding of a launched cloud of cold atoms with the optical dipole force are theoretically and numerically modelled. A far-off resonance trap can be realised using a high power Gaussian mode laser, red-detuned with respect to the principal atomic resonance (Rb 5s-5p). The optimum strategy for loading typically 30% of the atoms from a Magneto optical trap and guiding them vertically through 22 cm is discussed. During the transport the radial size of the cloud is confined to a few hundred microns, whereas the unconfined axial size grows to be approximately 1 cm. It is proposed that the cloud can be focused in three dimensions at the apex of the motion by using a single magnetic impulse to achieve axial focusing. A theoretical study of six current-carrying coil and bar arrangements that generate magnetic lenses is made. An investigation of focusing aberrations show that, for typical experimental parameters, the widely used assumption of a purely harmonic lens is often inaccurate. A new focusing regime is discussed: isotropic 3D focusing of atoms with a single magnetic lens. The baseball lens offers the best possibility for isotropically focusing a cloud of weak-field-seeking atoms in 3D.A pair of magnetic lens pulses can also be used to create a 3D focus (the alternate-gradient method). The two possible pulse sequences are discussed and it is found that they are ideal for loading both 'pancake' and 'sausage’ shaped magnetic/optical microtraps. It is shown that focusing aberrations are considerably smaller for double-impulse magnetic lenses compared to single- impulse magnetic lenses. The thesis concludes by describing the steps taken towards creating a 3D quasi- electrostatic lattice for 85Ilb， using a CՕշ laser. The resulting lattice of trapped atoms will have a low decoherence, and with resolvable lattice sites, it therefore provides a useful system to implement quantum information processing.

Related papers

Single-impulse magnetic focusing of launched cold atoms

Matthew J Pritchard, Aidan S. Arnold, David A. Smith +1 more

We have theoretically investigated the focusing of a launched cloud of cold atoms. Time-dependent spatially-varying magnetic fields are used to impart impulses leading to a three-dimensional focus of the launched cloud. We discuss possible coil arrangements for a new focusing regime: isotropic 3D focusing of atoms with a single-impulse magnetic lens. We investigate focusing aberrations and find that, for typical experimental parameters, the widely used assumption of a purely harmonic lens is often inaccurate. The baseball lens offers the best possibility for isotropically focusing a cloud of weak-field-seeking atoms in 3D.

arXiv:physics/0512141•Journal of Physics B Atomic Molecular and Optical Physics•Nov 9, 2004•14 citations

Experimental Single-Impulse Magnetic Focusing of Launched Cold Atoms

David A. Smith, Aidan S. Arnold, Matthew J +1 more

Three-dimensional magnetic focusing of cold atoms with a single magnetic impulse has been observed for the first time. We load 7x10^7 85-Rb atoms into a magneto-optical trap, precool the atoms with optical molasses, then use moving molasses to launch them vertically through 20.5cm to the apex of flight. In transit the atoms are optically pumped, prior to the single magnetic lens impulse that occurs 16.5cm above the MOT. Fluorescence images at the apex of flight characterise the widths of the focussed cloud. Results were obtained for four different configurations of the baseball lens, which tuned the relationship between the axial and radial frequencies of the lens. Compact focused clouds were seen for all four configurations.

•Jan 1, 2007•7 citations

Double-impulse magnetic focusing of launched cold atoms

Aidan S. Arnold, Matthew J Pritchard, David A. Smith +1 more

We have theoretically investigated three-dimensional focusing of a launched cloud of cold atoms using a pair of magnetic lens pulses (the alternate-gradient method). Individual lenses focus radially and defocus axially or vice versa. The performance of the two possible pulse sequences are compared and found to be ideal for loading both 'pancake' and 'sausage' shaped magnetic/optical microtraps. It is shown that focusing aberrations are considerably smaller for double-impulse magnetic lenses compared to single-impulse magnetic lenses. An analysis of clouds focused by the double-impulse technique is presented.

arXiv:physics/0512151•New Journal of Physics•Apr 18, 2006•8 citations

Transport of launched cold atoms with a laser guide and pulsed magnetic fields

Matthew J Pritchard, Aidan S Arnold, Simon L Cornish +3 more

We propose the novel combination of a laser guide and magnetic lens to transport a cold atomic cloud. We have modelled the loading and guiding of a launched cloud of cold atoms with the optical dipole force. We discuss the optimum strategy for loading typically 30% of the atoms from a MOT and guiding them vertically through 22cm. However, although the atoms are tightly confined transversely, thermal expansion in the propagation direction still results in a density loss of two orders of magnitude. By combining the laser guide with a single impulse from a magnetic lens we show one can actually increase the density of the guided atoms by a factor of 10.

arXiv:physics/0610027•New Journal of Physics•Dec 7, 2006•10 citations

Transport of launched cold atoms with a laser guide and pulsed magnetic fields

Pritchard, M J, Arnold, A S, Cornish, S L +3 more

We propose the novel combination of a laser guide and magnetic lens to transport a cold atomic cloud. We have modelled the loading and guiding of a launched cloud of cold atoms with the optical dipole force. We discuss the optimum strategy for loading typically 30% of the atoms from a MOT and guiding them vertically through 22cm. However, although the atoms are tightly confined transversely, thermal expansion in the propagation direction still results in a density loss of two orders of magnitude. By combining the laser guide with a single impulse from a magnetic lens we show one can actually increase the density of the guided atoms by a factor of 10.

•Oct 4, 2006•3 citations

An optically guided atomic fountain

Hilary Jane Davies

This thesis describes the development of a laser-cooling experiment aimed at efficient transfer of cold atoms over a short distance, for loading into a conservative atom trap. We detail the construction of a 3D magneto-optical trap (MOT) and perform characterisation measurements to optimise the number and temperature of the cold atoms. The atoms are launched vertically in a fountain from the MOT using a 'moving molasses' technique and a red-detuned far-off-resonant laser beam is used to guide them into an UHV chamber. Loading into the guiding beam is optimised with respect to the beam and MOT parameters. We demonstrate a maximum loading of 20% and guiding over a distance of more than 10 cm without loss of atoms. The atoms are delivered to the UHV chamber in a cloud with a transverse dimension of order 200 #mu#m. We discuss the extension to continuous operation of the guided atomic fountain. The 3D MOT is replaced by a funnel with 2D trapping and 3D cooling which continuously extracts the cold atoms using moving molasses. A comparison between the flux of guided atoms obtained in a pulsed fashion from the 3D MOT and continuously from the funnel indicate that the pulsed case is a factor of ten more efficient. The difference is due to inferior loading from the funnel. The optically guided fountain is used to load an optical dipole trap in the UHV chamber, using an 'optical trap door'. No additional cooling is required. The dynamics of the atoms in the optical dipole trap are studied. We discuss multiple loading of a conservative trap with the view of accumulating more atoms than can be obtained in a MOT. (author)

•Jan 1, 1999•0 citations
The loading and guiding of a launched cloud of cold atoms with the optical dipole force are theoretically and numerically modelled. A far-off resonance trap can be realised using a high power Gaussian mode laser, red-detuned with respect to the principal atomic resonance (Rb 5s-5p). The optimum strategy for loading typically 30% of the atoms from a Magneto optical trap and guiding them vertically through 22 cm is discussed. During the transport the radial size of the cloud is confined to a few hundred microns, whereas the unconfined axial size grows to be approximately 1 cm. It is proposed that the cloud can be focused in three dimensions at the apex of the motion by using a single magnetic impulse to achieve axial focusing. A theoretical study of six current-carrying coil and bar arrangements that generate magnetic lenses is made. An investigation of focusing aberrations show that, for typical experimental parameters, the widely used assumption of a purely harmonic lens is often inaccurate. A new focusing regime is discussed: isotropic 3D focusing of atoms with a single magnetic lens. The baseball lens offers the best possibility for isotropically focusing a cloud of weak-field-seeking atoms in 3D.A pair of magnetic lens pulses can also be used to create a 3D focus (the alternate-gradient method). The two possible pulse sequences are discussed and it is found that they are ideal for loading both 'pancake' and 'sausage’ shaped magnetic/optical microtraps. It is shown that focusing aberrations are considerably smaller for double-impulse magnetic lenses compared to single- impulse magnetic lenses. The thesis concludes by describing the steps taken towards creating a 3D quasi- electrostatic lattice for 85Ilb， using a CՕշ laser. The resulting lattice of trapped atoms will have a low decoherence, and with resolvable lattice sites, it therefore provides a useful system to implement quantum information processing.
We have theoretically investigated the focusing of a launched cloud of cold atoms. Time-dependent spatially-varying magnetic fields are used to impart impulses leading to a three-dimensional focus of the launched cloud. We discuss possible coil arrangements for a new focusing regime: isotropic 3D focusing of atoms with a single-impulse magnetic lens. We investigate focusing aberrations and find that, for typical experimental parameters, the widely used assumption of a purely harmonic lens is often inaccurate. The baseball lens offers the best possibility for isotropically focusing a cloud of weak-field-seeking atoms in 3D.
Three-dimensional magnetic focusing of cold atoms with a single magnetic impulse has been observed for the first time. We load 7x10^7 85-Rb atoms into a magneto-optical trap, precool the atoms with optical molasses, then use moving molasses to launch them vertically through 20.5cm to the apex of flight. In transit the atoms are optically pumped, prior to the single magnetic lens impulse that occurs 16.5cm above the MOT. Fluorescence images at the apex of flight characterise the widths of the focussed cloud. Results were obtained for four different configurations of the baseball lens, which tuned the relationship between the axial and radial frequencies of the lens. Compact focused clouds were seen for all four configurations.
We have theoretically investigated three-dimensional focusing of a launched cloud of cold atoms using a pair of magnetic lens pulses (the alternate-gradient method). Individual lenses focus radially and defocus axially or vice versa. The performance of the two possible pulse sequences are compared and found to be ideal for loading both 'pancake' and 'sausage' shaped magnetic/optical microtraps. It is shown that focusing aberrations are considerably smaller for double-impulse magnetic lenses compared to single-impulse magnetic lenses. An analysis of clouds focused by the double-impulse technique is presented.
We propose the novel combination of a laser guide and magnetic lens to transport a cold atomic cloud. We have modelled the loading and guiding of a launched cloud of cold atoms with the optical dipole force. We discuss the optimum strategy for loading typically 30% of the atoms from a MOT and guiding them vertically through 22cm. However, although the atoms are tightly confined transversely, thermal expansion in the propagation direction still results in a density loss of two orders of magnitude. By combining the laser guide with a single impulse from a magnetic lens we show one can actually increase the density of the guided atoms by a factor of 10.
We propose the novel combination of a laser guide and magnetic lens to transport a cold atomic cloud. We have modelled the loading and guiding of a launched cloud of cold atoms with the optical dipole force. We discuss the optimum strategy for loading typically 30% of the atoms from a MOT and guiding them vertically through 22cm. However, although the atoms are tightly confined transversely, thermal expansion in the propagation direction still results in a density loss of two orders of magnitude. By combining the laser guide with a single impulse from a magnetic lens we show one can actually increase the density of the guided atoms by a factor of 10.
This thesis describes the development of a laser-cooling experiment aimed at efficient transfer of cold atoms over a short distance, for loading into a conservative atom trap. We detail the construction of a 3D magneto-optical trap (MOT) and perform characterisation measurements to optimise the number and temperature of the cold atoms. The atoms are launched vertically in a fountain from the MOT using a 'moving molasses' technique and a red-detuned far-off-resonant laser beam is used to guide them into an UHV chamber. Loading into the guiding beam is optimised with respect to the beam and MOT parameters. We demonstrate a maximum loading of 20% and guiding over a distance of more than 10 cm without loss of atoms. The atoms are delivered to the UHV chamber in a cloud with a transverse dimension of order 200 #mu#m. We discuss the extension to continuous operation of the guided atomic fountain. The 3D MOT is replaced by a funnel with 2D trapping and 3D cooling which continuously extracts the cold atoms using moving molasses. A comparison between the flux of guided atoms obtained in a pulsed fashion from the 3D MOT and continuously from the funnel indicate that the pulsed case is a factor of ten more efficient. The difference is due to inferior loading from the funnel. The optically guided fountain is used to load an optical dipole trap in the UHV chamber, using an 'optical trap door'. No additional cooling is required. The dynamics of the atoms in the optical dipole trap are studied. We discuss multiple loading of a conservative trap with the view of accumulating more atoms than can be obtained in a MOT. (author)