We demonstrate a general scheme for manipulating atomic species by focusing ground state xenon atoms using large quasielectrostatic potentials created by high intensity $({10}^{12}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{W}∕{\mathrm{cm}}^{2})$ , nanosecond, pulsed optical fields. The atomic density in the focal region was mapped out with a resolution of $2\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$ using resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization of neutral atoms in the vicinity of the focus. Measurements of the transverse xenon velocity induced by the optical field, and the focal length of the atom-optical lens, are in good agreement with a quasielectrostatic model based on the static polarizablity of xenon.We demonstrate a general scheme for manipulating atomic species by focusing ground state xenon atoms using large quasielectrostatic potentials created by high intensity $({10}^{12}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{W}∕{\mathrm{cm}}^{2})$, nanosecond, pulsed optical fields. The atomic density in the focal region was mapped out with a resolution of $2\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$ using resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization of neutral atoms in the vicinity of the focus. Measurements of the transverse xenon velocity induced by the optical field, and the focal length of the atom-optical lens, are in good agreement with a quasielectrostatic model based on the static polarizablity of xenon.

Physical Review AApr 13, 20057 citations

Trapping Atoms with Light and Magnetic Fields

R.W. Stites, Matthew C. Beeler, Soo‐Jeong Kim +1 more

APSOct 1, 20020 citations

ac Electric Trap for Ground-State Molecules

Jacqueline van Veldhoven, Hendrick L. Bethlem, Gerard Meijer

We here report on the realization of an electrodynamic trap, capable of trapping neutral atoms and molecules in both low-field and high-field seeking states. Confinement in three dimensions is achieved by switching between two electric field configurations that have a saddle point at the center of the trap, i.e., by alternating a focusing and a defocusing force in each direction. The ac trapping of 15ND(3) molecules is experimentally demonstrated, and the stability of the trap is studied as a function of the switching frequency. A 1 mK sample of 15ND(3) molecules in the high-field seeking component of the |J,K=|1,1 level, the ground state of para-ammonia, is trapped in a volume of about 1 mm(3).We here report on the realization of an electrodynamic trap, capable of trapping neutral atoms and molecules in both low-field and high-field seeking states. Confinement in three dimensions is achieved by switching between two electric field configurations that have a saddle point at the center of the trap, i.e., by alternating a focusing and a defocusing force in each direction. The ac trapping of 15ND(3) molecules is experimentally demonstrated, and the stability of the trap is studied as a function of the switching frequency. A 1 mK sample of 15ND(3) molecules in the high-field seeking component of the |J,K=|1,1 level, the ground state of para-ammonia, is trapped in a volume of about 1 mm(3).

arXiv:physics/0501092Physical Review LettersMar 1, 2005140 citations

Trapping and storage of atoms in a laser field

V. S. Letkhov, Vladimir G. Minogin

Applied Physics BSep 1, 197830 citations

Quantum simulations of a freely rotating ring of ultracold and identical bosonic ions

F. Robicheaux, Kelsie Niffenegger

We report on two types of quantum calculations pertaining to a ring of ultracold and identical bosonic ions in a static, external magnetic field. The purpose of these calculations is to give examples of what could be expected in certain types of measurements of the rotation of this ring. The first type of calculation explores how well the ring reaches the rotational ground state when it starts in the ground state of a trapping potential that is then adiabatically switched off; the trapping potential is designed to frustrate the rotation and raise the energy scale to the point where standard cooling techniques could reach the ground state. The second type of calculation shows what kind of rotation signal might be measured using two types of measuring schemes. The focus is on how the signal changes with the temperature of the ring and with how the measurement is performed.We report on two types of quantum calculations pertaining to a ring of ultracold and identical bosonic ions in a static, external magnetic field. The purpose of these calculations is to give examples of what could be expected in certain types of measurements of the rotation of this ring. The first type of calculation explores how well the ring reaches the rotational ground state when it starts in the ground state of a trapping potential that is then adiabatically switched off; the trapping potential is designed to frustrate the rotation and raise the energy scale to the point where standard cooling techniques could reach the ground state. The second type of calculation shows what kind of rotation signal might be measured using two types of measuring schemes. The focus is on how the signal changes with the temperature of the ring and with how the measurement is performed.

Physical Review AJun 15, 20156 citations

We demonstrate a general scheme for manipulating atomic species by focusing ground state xenon atoms using large quasielectrostatic potentials created by high intensity

({10}^{12}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{W}∕{\mathrm{cm}}^{2})

, nanosecond, pulsed optical fields. The atomic density in the focal region was mapped out with a resolution of $2\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$ using resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization of neutral atoms in the vicinity of the focus. Measurements of the transverse xenon velocity induced by the optical field, and the focal length of the atom-optical lens, are in good agreement with a quasielectrostatic model based on the static polarizablity of xenon.