Optics Letters

Channeling of atoms in a standing spherical light wave

V. I. Balykin, Vladilen S Letokhov, Yu. B. Ovchinnikov, A. I. Sidorov, Sergei V. Shulga

Published Nov 1, 1988• 34 citations

Abstract

One-dimensional localization of sodium atoms in a standing spherical light wave has been observed. The atoms have an oscillatory motion with an amplitude of approximately lambda/10 along the nodes (or loops) of the wave.

DOI: 10.1364/ol.13.000958

Related papers

Localization of atoms in a three-dimensional standing wave

Christoph Ira Westbrook, Richard N. Watts, Carol E. Tanner +4 more

We have used a heterodyne technique to observe the spectrum of resonance fluorescence from sodium atoms in optical molasses. The spectra show a very narrow feature which we attribute to Dicke narrowing of the fluorescence from atoms localized to less than an optical wavelength in three-dimensional standing-wave potential wells.

Physical Review LettersJul 2, 1990159 citations

Bragg scattering of atoms from a standing light wave

Peter J. Martin, Bruce G. Oldaker, A. H. Miklich +1 more

We report the first observation of Bragg scattering of sodium atoms from a standing light wave. We also present a theory which quantitatively predicts the amplitude of the various Bragg orders as a function of the light's detuning and power, and the interaction time. The analog of the Pendello$uml---sung effect, previously observed in Bragg scattering of neutrons from crystals, is predicted and qualitatively observed for first-order Bragg scattering of atoms from a standing light wave.

Physical Review LettersFeb 1, 1988377 citations

Collimation of atoms localized in a spherical standing light wave

V. I. Balykin, Vladilen S Letokhov, Yu. B. Ovchinnikov +1 more

Optics CommunicationsJun 1, 19903 citations

Channeling atoms in a laser standing wave

Ch Salomon, Jean Dalibard, Alain Aspect +2 more

We report the experimental observation of laser confinement of neutral atoms in optical-wavelength--size regions. A well collimated atomic beam was crossed at right angles by a one-dimensional standing wave and atoms were observed to be channeled into paths between the peaks of the standing wave.

Physical Review LettersOct 12, 1987178 citations

Adiabatic cooling of atoms by an intense standing wave

J. G. Story, J. Chen, Randall G. Hulet

An atom slowly moving in a standing wave can be confined to, or in, the nodes of the standing wave if the atom’s kinetic energy is less than the depth of the potential formed by the interaction of the atom with the standing-wave radiation.1 We have observed a significant cooling of channeled atoms in one dimension resulting from an adiabatic turn-off of the standing-wave intensity.

Quantum Electronics and Laser Science ConferenceMay 10, 19920 citations

Observation of channeling of atoms in the three-dimensional interference pattern of optical standing waves

N. P. Bigelow, Mara Goff Prentiss

We have observed the channeling of cooled Na atoms in the three-dimensional interference pattern of the light fields in an optical trap. The channeling occurs for length scales from less than 50 \ensuremath{\mu}m up to several mm. This channeling may explain the anomalously long lifetimes observed in many such traps. We suggest that these observations may be understood in terms of a multilevel atom in the trapping light field.

Physical Review LettersJul 2, 199038 citations