We describe the design, construction, and characterization of a permanent-magnet-based, transverse-field Zeeman slower for lithium atoms. We use off-the-shelf, compact permanent bar magnets in the Halbach configuration to create a uniform magnetic field in the transverse direction. We develop a general approach for a mechanical structure that supports the spatial distribution of magnets using 3D printing technology. The approach allows for flexible assembly and dismantling of the magnetic field on the target vacuum system. Finally, we verify that the Zeeman slower supports a high flux of slow atoms in the region of the magneto-optical trap.We describe the design, construction, and characterization of a permanent-magnet-based, transverse-field Zeeman slower for lithium atoms. We use off-the-shelf, compact permanent bar magnets in the Halbach configuration to create a uniform magnetic field in the transverse direction. We develop a general approach for a mechanical structure that supports the spatial distribution of magnets using 3D printing technology. The approach allows for flexible assembly and dismantling of the magnetic field on the target vacuum system. Finally, we verify that the Zeeman slower supports a high flux of slow atoms in the region of the magneto-optical trap.

arXiv:2509.00790Review of Scientific InstrumentsDec 1, 20250 citations

Gas–liquid phase transition in modified pseudopotential and “shelf Coulomb” ultracold plasma models

M. A. Butlitsky, Boris B. Zelener, B. V. Zelener

Phase diagrams for the "shelf Coulomb" and the modified pseudopotential plasma models developed in our previous works are compared. Qualitative agreement is observed between gas-liquid phase transition region of "shelf Coulomb" model and liquid-gas structure region of modified pseudopotential one. The possibility of experimental finding of the phase transition in nonequilibrium ultracold Rydberg plasma is considered. Parameters (density, temperature, levels of Rydberg atoms) for such a transition are estimated. Conclusion is made that "shelf Coulomb" model phase transition is practically impossible to observe in equilibrium strongly coupled plasmas due to high neutral atoms density at low temperatures: T crit ≈ 0.076.Phase diagrams for the "shelf Coulomb" and the modified pseudopotential plasma models developed in our previous works are compared. Qualitative agreement is observed between gas-liquid phase transition region of "shelf Coulomb" model and liquid-gas structure region of modified pseudopotential one. The possibility of experimental finding of the phase transition in nonequilibrium ultracold Rydberg plasma is considered. Parameters (density, temperature, levels of Rydberg atoms) for such a transition are estimated. Conclusion is made that "shelf Coulomb" model phase transition is practically impossible to observe in equilibrium strongly coupled plasmas due to high neutral atoms density at low temperatures: T crit ≈ 0.076.

Journal of Physics Conference SeriesNov 1, 20161 citation

Trapping single atoms

Simon Pleasants

Nature PhotonicsMay 28, 20143 citations

Atom trap assembly

Photographer Darren Boyd

Jun 1, 20210 citations

A compact single-chamber apparatus for Bose-Einstein condensation of $^87$ RbA compact single-chamber apparatus for Bose-Einstein condensation of $^87$Rb

Igor Gotlibovych, Tobias F. Schmidutz, Stuart Moulder +7 more

We describe a simple and compact single-chamber apparatus for robust production of $^87$ Rb Bose-Einstein condensates. The apparatus is built from off-the-shelf components and allows production of quasi-pure condensates of > $3\times 10^5$ atoms in < 30 s. This is achieved using a hybrid trap created by a quadrupole magnetic field and a single red-detuned laser beam [Y.-J. Lin et al., Phys. Rev. A 79, 063631 (2009)]. In the same apparatus we also achieve condensation in an optically plugged quadrupole trap [K. B. Davis et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 75, 3969 (1995)] and show that as little as 70 mW of plug-laser power is sufficient for condensation, making it viable to pursue this approach using inexpensive diode lasers. While very compact, our apparatus features sufficient optical access for complex experiments, and we have recently used it to demonstrate condensation in a uniform optical-box potential [A. Gaunt et al., arXiv:1212.4453 (2012)].We describe a simple and compact single-chamber apparatus for robust production of $^87$Rb Bose-Einstein condensates. The apparatus is built from off-the-shelf components and allows production of quasi-pure condensates of > $3\times 10^5$ atoms in < 30 s. This is achieved using a hybrid trap created by a quadrupole magnetic field and a single red-detuned laser beam [Y.-J. Lin et al., Phys. Rev. A 79, 063631 (2009)]. In the same apparatus we also achieve condensation in an optically plugged quadrupole trap [K. B. Davis et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 75, 3969 (1995)] and show that as little as 70 mW of plug-laser power is sufficient for condensation, making it viable to pursue this approach using inexpensive diode lasers. While very compact, our apparatus features sufficient optical access for complex experiments, and we have recently used it to demonstrate condensation in a uniform optical-box potential [A. Gaunt et al., arXiv:1212.4453 (2012)].

arXiv:1212.4108Dec 17, 20121 citation

A compact single-chamber apparatus for Bose-Einstein condensation of

^87

We describe a simple and compact single-chamber apparatus for robust production of

^87

Rb Bose-Einstein condensates. The apparatus is built from off-the-shelf components and allows production of quasi-pure condensates of >

3\times 10^5

atoms in < 30 s. This is achieved using a hybrid trap created by a quadrupole magnetic field and a single red-detuned laser beam [Y.-J. Lin et al., Phys. Rev. A 79, 063631 (2009)]. In the same apparatus we also achieve condensation in an optically plugged quadrupole trap [K. B. Davis et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 75, 3969 (1995)] and show that as little as 70 mW of plug-laser power is sufficient for condensation, making it viable to pursue this approach using inexpensive diode lasers. While very compact, our apparatus features sufficient optical access for complex experiments, and we have recently used it to demonstrate condensation in a uniform optical-box potential [A. Gaunt et al., arXiv:1212.4453 (2012)].