Optical State-Preparation of Atoms

Jabez J. McClelland

Jessen

Lei Han, Fang Fang, Yani Zuo +5 more

In this paper, a new optical pumping method, redistributing the atom populations among the Zeeman magnetic sublevels of the ground state |F=3> is proposed as the state preparation process to improve the signal to noise ratio (SNR) of the atomic fountain clock with a larger atom population on the |F=3, mF=0>clock state. A preliminary experimental result of state preparation efficiency exceeding 60% is obtained on the NIM6 cesium (Cs) fountain clock.

Xinglun Tang, Zhaoying Zhou, Yanying Feng +3 more

A preparation method of cold atomic beam with fine optical characteristics is presented and discussed in this paper. The method is described as followings: cold atoms in three-dimension magneto-optical trap (3MOT) are pushed out because of the imbalanceable resonance-radiation pressure and form a cold atomic beam, whose propagation is limited in a magnetic guide. And then the atomic beam is further transversely compressed by use of two-dimension magneto-optical trap (2MOT). Finally, a state preparation laser processes the atomic beam. Consequently, the continuous cold atomic beam with lower longitudinal velocity, higher flux, much less transverse velocity and homogenous state is obtained. The simulation results show that the preparation method is feasible, which can be used in the establishment of the high-property atom interferometer.

Ivan Deutsch, Poul Jessen

Xu Zhang, Qixue Li, Huankai Zhang +5 more

The state preparation is a crucial procedure in atom interferometry; however, there is a shortage of detailed experimental studies on determining the optimal method for achieving this. This paper investigates and compares two methods for state preparation: the combined use of microwave and Raman light (M-R) and the combined use of optical pumping, microwave, and Raman light (O-M-W). The experimental results demonstrate that the M-R method improves the efficiency of Raman transitions for atom interference, which is helpful in enhancing the contrast of the interference fringes. The O-M-R method increases the quantity of prepared atoms, thereby enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio of the detected signals. This work helps provide a useful experimental basis and reference for researchers to design a suitable state preparation scheme.