Physical Review Letters

Buffer-Gas Loading and Magnetic Trapping of Atomic Europium

Jinha Kim, Břetislav Friedrich, Daniel P. Katz, David Patterson, Jonathan D. Weinstein, Robert deCarvalho, John M. Doyle

Published May 12, 1997• 111 citations

Publisher

Abstract

Atomic europium has been magnetically trapped using buffer-gas loading. Laser ablated $\mathrm{Eu}(^{8}S_{7/2})$ atoms are thermalized to 800 mK in a ${}^{4}\mathrm{He}$ buffer gas (to 250 mK in a ${}^{3}\mathrm{He}$ buffer gas). Anti-Helmholtz superconducting coils produce a quadrupole magnetic field to trap the ${M}_{J}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}7/2$ state of Eu. Detection is via absorption spectroscopy at 462.7 nm. Up to $1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{12}\mathrm{Eu}$ atoms are loaded at a central density of $5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{12}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$. Atoms can be held for longer than 100 s.

DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.78.3665

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Simulation of the hyperfine-resolved Zeeman spectrum of Eu atoms in a magnetic trap

Long Cai, Břetislav Friedrich, John M. Doyle

Physical Review AFeb 15, 20008 citations

Laser spectroscopy of atoms and molecules in buffer-gas loaded magnetic traps

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Physical Review Letters

Buffer-Gas Loading and Magnetic Trapping of Atomic Europium

Jinha Kim, Břetislav Friedrich, Daniel P. Katz, David Patterson, Jonathan D. Weinstein, Robert deCarvalho, John M. Doyle

Published May 12, 1997• 111 citations

Publisher

Abstract

Atomic europium has been magnetically trapped using buffer-gas loading. Laser ablated

\mathrm{Eu}(^{8}S_{7/2})

atoms are thermalized to 800 mK in a

{}^{4}\mathrm{He}

buffer gas (to 250 mK in a

{}^{3}\mathrm{He}

buffer gas). Anti-Helmholtz superconducting coils produce a quadrupole magnetic field to trap the

{M}_{J}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}7/2

state of Eu. Detection is via absorption spectroscopy at 462.7 nm. Up to

1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{12}\mathrm{Eu}

atoms are loaded at a central density of

5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{12}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}

. Atoms can be held for longer than 100 s.

DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.78.3665

Related papers

Magnetic trapping of atomic chromium

Jonathan D. Weinstein, Robert deCarvalho, Jinha Kim +3 more

Ground-state ${}^{52}\mathrm{Cr}$ atoms have been magnetically trapped using buffer-gas loading. The atoms are produced by laser ablation of solid ${}^{52}\mathrm{Cr},$ thermalized by collisions with a cryogenically cooled helium buffer gas, and trapped by an anti-Helmholtz quadrupole magnetic field. The atoms are detected by absorption spectroscopy on the ${a}^{7}{S}_{3}\ensuremath{\leftrightarrow}{z}^{7}{P}_{3}$ transition at 427.6 nm. Using this technique, approximately ${10}^{11}$ atoms are loaded into the trap in a single ablation pulse. Loading has been demonstrated at temperatures from 0.3 to 1.4 K.Ground-state ${}^{52}\mathrm{Cr}$ atoms have been magnetically trapped using buffer-gas loading. The atoms are produced by laser ablation of solid ${}^{52}\mathrm{Cr},$ thermalized by collisions with a cryogenically cooled helium buffer gas, and trapped by an anti-Helmholtz quadrupole magnetic field. The atoms are detected by absorption spectroscopy on the ${a}^{7}{S}_{3}\ensuremath{\leftrightarrow}{z}^{7}{P}_{3}$ transition at 427.6 nm. Using this technique, approximately ${10}^{11}$ atoms are loaded into the trap in a single ablation pulse. Loading has been demonstrated at temperatures from 0.3 to 1.4 K.

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Simulation of the hyperfine-resolved Zeeman spectrum of Eu atoms in a magnetic trap

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We present a simulation of the laser absorption spectra of Eu atoms in the $a{}^{8}{S}_{7/2}\ensuremath{-}y{}^{8}{P}_{7/2}$ band at $462.7 \mathrm{nm}$ measured previously in a buffer-gas-loaded magnetic trap [J. Kim et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 78, 3665 (1997)]. The simulations of the hyperfine-resolved Zeeman spectra are based on exact magnetic eigenproperties of the states involved, and yield a complete assignment of all the features observed. This reveals that apart from the ${M}_{J}=7/2$ state and its hyperfine substates, the ${M}_{J}=5/2$ and $3/2$ states are also trapped at ${B}_{\mathrm{max}}=0.52 \mathrm{T}$ and a temperature of about $250 \mathrm{mK}.$ We present a simulation of the laser absorption spectra of Eu atoms in the $a{}^{8}{S}_{7/2}\ensuremath{-}y{}^{8}{P}_{7/2}$ band at $462.7 \mathrm{nm}$ measured previously in a buffer-gas-loaded magnetic trap [J. Kim et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 78, 3665 (1997)]. The simulations of the hyperfine-resolved Zeeman spectra are based on exact magnetic eigenproperties of the states involved, and yield a complete assignment of all the features observed. This reveals that apart from the ${M}_{J}=7/2$ state and its hyperfine substates, the ${M}_{J}=5/2$ and $3/2$ states are also trapped at ${B}_{\mathrm{max}}=0.52 \mathrm{T}$ and a temperature of about $250 \mathrm{mK}.$

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Summary form only given. The very low temperatures (/spl les/1 /spl mu/K) and simultaneously high densities (/spl ges/10/sup 14/ cm/sup -3/) attainable with magnetic trapping and evaporative cooling techniques have enabled a number of experiments with atoms whose de Broglie wavelengths are on the order of, or larger than, the mean distance between the atoms. We first demonstrated the technique by buffer-gas loading atomic europium (a 7 Bohr magneton species) into a magnetic trap. This work corroborated the feasibility of the scheme and produced the first benefits of magnetic trapping of a complex atom: a hyperfine resolved Zeeman spectrum whose variation with time provided dues about the relaxation dynamics of the trapped states.Summary form only given. The very low temperatures (/spl les/1 /spl mu/K) and simultaneously high densities (/spl ges/10/sup 14/ cm/sup -3/) attainable with magnetic trapping and evaporative cooling techniques have enabled a number of experiments with atoms whose de Broglie wavelengths are on the order of, or larger than, the mean distance between the atoms. We first demonstrated the technique by buffer-gas loading atomic europium (a 7 Bohr magneton species) into a magnetic trap. This work corroborated the feasibility of the scheme and produced the first benefits of magnetic trapping of a complex atom: a hyperfine resolved Zeeman spectrum whose variation with time provided dues about the relaxation dynamics of the trapped states.

Quantum Electronics and Laser Science ConferenceJan 20, 20031 citation

Buffer-gas loading of atoms and molecules into a magnetic trap

John M. Doyle, Břetislav Friedrich, Jinha Kim +1 more

We describe a method for loading paramagnetic atoms or molecules into a magnetic trap. A $^{3}\mathrm{He}$ buffer gas is employed to thermalize atoms or molecules to a temperature of approximately 240 mK, lower than the depth of the trap. A model is described that indicates an initial loading density of approximately ${10}^{13}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$. Once loading has taken place the buffer gas is removed by cryopumping. Evaporative cooling can then be applied to further lower the temperature and increase the density of the trapped sample.We describe a method for loading paramagnetic atoms or molecules into a magnetic trap. A $^{3}\mathrm{He}$ buffer gas is employed to thermalize atoms or molecules to a temperature of approximately 240 mK, lower than the depth of the trap. A model is described that indicates an initial loading density of approximately ${10}^{13}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$. Once loading has taken place the buffer gas is removed by cryopumping. Evaporative cooling can then be applied to further lower the temperature and increase the density of the trapped sample.

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The advent of buffer-gas loaded magnetic traps for atoms has opened the possibility of trapping paramagnetic molecules. We survey our results on the loading, trapping and spectroscopy of Eu atoms that demonstrated the technique. The principles governing molecular trapping considering in particular the O2 and NO systems are outlined. The trapping of molecules should prove particularly useful in spectroscopy, especially ultra-high resolution spectroscopy that requires cold (slow), trapped (long interaction time) samples. Similar to cold atoms, cold molecules could be interrogated at a level of detail which is likely to provide new insights into their structure and interactions.The advent of buffer-gas loaded magnetic traps for atoms has opened the possibility of trapping paramagnetic molecules. We survey our results on the loading, trapping and spectroscopy of Eu atoms that demonstrated the technique. The principles governing molecular trapping considering in particular the O2 and NO systems are outlined. The trapping of molecules should prove particularly useful in spectroscopy, especially ultra-high resolution spectroscopy that requires cold (slow), trapped (long interaction time) samples. Similar to cold atoms, cold molecules could be interrogated at a level of detail which is likely to provide new insights into their structure and interactions.

Journal of the Chemical Society Faraday TransactionsJan 1, 199836 citations

Magnetic trapping of an atomic Mn55−Cr52 mixture

Scott V. Nguyen, Joel S. Helton, Kenneth Maussang +2 more

Atomic manganese $^{55}\mathrm{Mn}$ and chromium $^{52}\mathrm{Cr}$ are simultaneously loaded and confined in a magnetic trap. Using a cryogenic $^{3}\mathrm{He}$ buffer gas, ${10}^{11}$ manganese and ${10}^{12}$ chromium atoms are trapped at an initial temperature of 600 mK. The buffer gas is then pumped away, thermally isolating the sample. The Mn-Cr interspecies inelastic rate constant is measured to be ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{\mathrm{Mn},\mathrm{Cr}}=1.5(\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{3}∕\mathrm{s}$.Atomic manganese $^{55}\mathrm{Mn}$ and chromium $^{52}\mathrm{Cr}$ are simultaneously loaded and confined in a magnetic trap. Using a cryogenic $^{3}\mathrm{He}$ buffer gas, ${10}^{11}$ manganese and ${10}^{12}$ chromium atoms are trapped at an initial temperature of 600 mK. The buffer gas is then pumped away, thermally isolating the sample. The Mn-Cr interspecies inelastic rate constant is measured to be ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{\mathrm{Mn},\mathrm{Cr}}=1.5(\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{3}∕\mathrm{s}$.

Physical Review AFeb 18, 200510 citations

Atomic europium has been magnetically trapped using buffer-gas loading. Laser ablated

\mathrm{Eu}(^{8}S_{7/2})

atoms are thermalized to 800 mK in a

{}^{4}\mathrm{He}

buffer gas (to 250 mK in a

{}^{3}\mathrm{He}

buffer gas). Anti-Helmholtz superconducting coils produce a quadrupole magnetic field to trap the

{M}_{J}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}7/2

state of Eu. Detection is via absorption spectroscopy at 462.7 nm. Up to

1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{12}\mathrm{Eu}

atoms are loaded at a central density of

5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{12}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}

. Atoms can be held for longer than 100 s.

Ground-state

{}^{52}\mathrm{Cr}

atoms have been magnetically trapped using buffer-gas loading. The atoms are produced by laser ablation of solid

{}^{52}\mathrm{Cr},

thermalized by collisions with a cryogenically cooled helium buffer gas, and trapped by an anti-Helmholtz quadrupole magnetic field. The atoms are detected by absorption spectroscopy on the ${a}^{7}{S}_{3}\ensuremath{\leftrightarrow}{z}^{7}{P}_{3}$ transition at 427.6 nm. Using this technique, approximately

{10}^{11}

atoms are loaded into the trap in a single ablation pulse. Loading has been demonstrated at temperatures from 0.3 to 1.4 K.

We present a simulation of the laser absorption spectra of Eu atoms in the $a{}^{8}{S}_{7/2}\ensuremath{-}y{}^{8}{P}_{7/2}$ band at

462.7 \mathrm{nm}

measured previously in a buffer-gas-loaded magnetic trap [J. Kim et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 78, 3665 (1997)]. The simulations of the hyperfine-resolved Zeeman spectra are based on exact magnetic eigenproperties of the states involved, and yield a complete assignment of all the features observed. This reveals that apart from the

{M}_{J}=7/2

state and its hyperfine substates, the

{M}_{J}=5/2

and

3/2

states are also trapped at

{B}_{\mathrm{max}}=0.52 \mathrm{T}

and a temperature of about

250 \mathrm{mK}.

We describe a method for loading paramagnetic atoms or molecules into a magnetic trap. A

^{3}\mathrm{He}

buffer gas is employed to thermalize atoms or molecules to a temperature of approximately 240 mK, lower than the depth of the trap. A model is described that indicates an initial loading density of approximately

{10}^{13}

${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$. Once loading has taken place the buffer gas is removed by cryopumping. Evaporative cooling can then be applied to further lower the temperature and increase the density of the trapped sample.

Atomic manganese

^{55}\mathrm{Mn}

and chromium

^{52}\mathrm{Cr}

are simultaneously loaded and confined in a magnetic trap. Using a cryogenic

^{3}\mathrm{He}

buffer gas,

{10}^{11}

manganese and

{10}^{12}

chromium atoms are trapped at an initial temperature of 600 mK. The buffer gas is then pumped away, thermally isolating the sample. The Mn-Cr interspecies inelastic rate constant is measured to be ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{\mathrm{Mn},\mathrm{Cr}}=1.5(\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{3}∕\mathrm{s}$.