Journal of the Optical Society of America B
Efficient transfer in a double magneto-optical trap system
T. B. Swanson, D. J. Asgeirsson, J. A. Behr, Alexandre Gorelov, D. Melconian
Abstract
We demonstrate the transfer of potassium atoms from a vapor-cell type magneto-optical trap (MOT) to a second MOT up to 75 cm away with the use of a spatially narrow push laser that generates a 40-m/s atomic beam. By adding two-dimensional MOT’s (atomic funnels) along the transfer path to generate transverse cooling and compression of the beam, we can consistently transfer 78±10% of the atoms.