We have imaged an $18\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{K}$ cloud of ${}^{85}\mathrm{Rb}$ atoms bouncing freely on a horizontal, concave magnetic atom mirror (radius of curvature $R$ ). A high-quality image is observed even after 14 reflections. Initially compact, the cloud is alternately collimated (odd bounces) and brought back to a focus (even bounces) when dropped from a height $R/4$ . This multiple reconstruction of a thermally expanding cloud hinges on the microscopic reversal of the atomic motion. We discuss the factors limiting the resolution of the mirror and describe the method of construction.We have imaged an $18\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{K}$ cloud of ${}^{85}\mathrm{Rb}$ atoms bouncing freely on a horizontal, concave magnetic atom mirror (radius of curvature $R$). A high-quality image is observed even after 14 reflections. Initially compact, the cloud is alternately collimated (odd bounces) and brought back to a focus (even bounces) when dropped from a height $R/4$. This multiple reconstruction of a thermally expanding cloud hinges on the microscopic reversal of the atomic motion. We discuss the factors limiting the resolution of the mirror and describe the method of construction.

Physical Review LettersJan 18, 199983 citations

Extreme impersonations: Frigid atomic clouds mimic neutron stars, exotic superconductors, and the newborn universe

Peter Weiß

Science NewsSep 18, 20040 citations

Chaos from a Chilled Cloud of Atoms

Anonymous

PhysicsJan 12, 20170 citations

Cesium atoms bouncing in a stable gravitational cavity

C.G. Aminoff, Andrew M. Steane, Philippe Bouyer +3 more

A curved mirror for atoms was made from an evanescent wave, formed by internal reflection of a quasiresonant laser beam at a curved glass surface. A cold cloud of cesium atoms was dropped onto the mirror and observed to rebound more than 8 times. The mirror size and reflectivity were studied, and reasonable agreement with a simple theory obtained. With 800 mW of laser power and a mirror of 1 mm diameter, we observed up to 73% of the atoms returning after each bounce, the losses being mostly during the free flight between bounces.A curved mirror for atoms was made from an evanescent wave, formed by internal reflection of a quasiresonant laser beam at a curved glass surface. A cold cloud of cesium atoms was dropped onto the mirror and observed to rebound more than 8 times. The mirror size and reflectivity were studied, and reasonable agreement with a simple theory obtained. With 800 mW of laser power and a mirror of 1 mm diameter, we observed up to 73% of the atoms returning after each bounce, the losses being mostly during the free flight between bounces.

Physical Review LettersNov 8, 1993231 citations

We have imaged an $18\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{K}$ cloud of

{}^{85}\mathrm{Rb}

atoms bouncing freely on a horizontal, concave magnetic atom mirror (radius of curvature

R

). A high-quality image is observed even after 14 reflections. Initially compact, the cloud is alternately collimated (odd bounces) and brought back to a focus (even bounces) when dropped from a height

R/4

. This multiple reconstruction of a thermally expanding cloud hinges on the microscopic reversal of the atomic motion. We discuss the factors limiting the resolution of the mirror and describe the method of construction.