Atomic beam guide by a one-dimensional magneto-optical trap

Yoann Bruneau, G. Khalili, P. Pillet +1 more

R. Ohmukai, S. Urabe, M. Watanbe

The fine control of a neutral atomic beam by radiation pressure has opened a new field called atom lithography. In particular, a direct writing method, which focuses an atomic beam with a standing-wave light field into narrow lines, has been demonstrated. A velocity-controlled and isotope-selected atomic beam is essential for improving the performance of this lithography method. An atomic deflection technique using radiation pressure is indispensable for producing such an atomic beam. Here we report on an atomic beam guide using a one-dimensional magneto-optical trap (1D-MOT). First we decelerate atoms whose velocities lie in the range between 250 and 320 m/s. A diode laser (780 nm) is used as the light source for deceleration and its injection current is modulated at 2 MHz. Then the decelerated beam is deflected by a tilted 1D-MOT, which consists of four copper rods and four rectangular mirrors.

Hui Yan, Yang Guo-Qing, Shi Tao +2 more

We demonstrated two experimental methods of producing and guiding pulsed atomic beams on chip. One is to trap atoms first in a U-type magneto-optical trap on the chip, then transfer them to the magnetic guide field and push them simultaneously by a continuous force from the power imbalance of the magneto-optical trap laser beams hence the pulsed cold atom beams are produced and move along the magnetic guide to the destination. The other is to trap atoms directly by a H-type magneto-optical trap, then push them to make them move along the magnetic guide field, thus high rate cold atom beams can be produced and guided on the chip.

Cacciapuoti L., M. G. CUSELLA DE ANGELIS, Guglielmo Maria Tino +1 more

L. Cacciapuoti, A. Castrillo, Marella de Angelis +1 more

D. P. Rhodes, J. Livesey, Gavin P. T. Lancaster +2 more

Summary form only given. The widespread use of magneto-optical traps (MOT) and the development of BEC over the last 10 years have led to the field of atom optics. This field requires the use of equivalent elements to optical mirrors, lenses and beam splitters. The generation of a large deviation atomic beam splitter is one of the most important goals, as it allows the construction of atom interferometers. Optical methods for achieving these elements are enticing, as the use of laser beams would make it easier to alter parameters of your guides within a vacuum chamber. Recent work has demonstrated the use of optical beams to guide and split atoms from a cold atom source. Here we present novel experimental studies of the optical guiding (in both the red- and blue-detuned regime) of a low-velocity intense source (LVIS) of atoms emanating from a rubidium MOT.