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Review of Scientific Instruments

High efficiency magneto-optical trap for unstable isotopes

S. Aubin, E. Gómez, Luis A. Orozco, Gene D. Sprouse

Published Sep 25, 2003• 59 citations
Publisher

Abstract

We have trapped over 250 000 Fr210 in a new on-line high efficiency magneto-optical trap (MOT). We describe the new apparatus and present an overview of high-efficiency MOTs for trapping rare isotopes. These traps depend on three critical components: a dry-film coating, a neutralizer, and the optical trap. We have developed a series of independent tests of the effectiveness of these components, and have used the results to construct our trap.

DOI
10.1063/1.1606093

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Physical Review A•Jan 1, 1999•38 citations
We have trapped over 250 000 Fr210 in a new on-line high efficiency magneto-optical trap (MOT). We describe the new apparatus and present an overview of high-efficiency MOTs for trapping rare isotopes. These traps depend on three critical components: a dry-film coating, a neutralizer, and the optical trap. We have developed a series of independent tests of the effectiveness of these components, and have used the results to construct our trap.
As part of an effort to measure parity non-conserving atomic transition rates in a series of Cs radioisotopes, the authors are working on the efficient coupling of a magneto-optical trap (MOT) to a mass separator. They have established a test stand for optical trapping which is used for the off-line development of a high-efficiency MOT. Their trap features a dry-film coated cell with large (5 cm) windows to permit the use of large diameter, high power laser beams to increase the efficiency of the trapping process. Studies of the effect of detuning, magnetic field gradient, laser beam intensity and different beam sizes on the number of trapped atoms are presented.
Summary form only given. We have constructed a new apparatus for on-line magneto-optical trapping of radioactive francium atoms at the Stony Brook Superconducting LINAC. An ion beam with an energy of /spl sim/100 MeV from the accelerator strikes a target of gold or isotopically enriched platinum mounted on the end of a tungsten rod. A heavy-ion fusion reaction [/sup 16,18/O(/sup 197/Au,xn) or /sup 19/F(/sup 198/Pt,xn)] selectively produces the isotopes /sup 208-212/Fr in the target room of the accelerator. The beam power and an auxiliary heater heat the target, allowing the francium to diffuse rapidly to the surface. The target ionizes the francium as it diffuses out. We then transport the francium as ions to a different room for subsequent neutralization and capture in a magneto-optical trap (MOT). Since the transport system is electrostatic, it is mass independent, allowing us to transport any isotope of Fr or even other alkalis. We have delivered over 3/spl times/10/sup 6/ Fr/sec to a Faraday cup in front of the trap, and tests show greater than 90% transport efficiency from the target. A small constriction in the vacuum system separates the target and transport region from the trap, permitting differential pumping of the trap.
We have studied the user of vapor-cell magneto-optical traps for the collection and investigation of trace elements of radioactive isotopes. The fundamental processes governing efficient collection of neutral isotopes in a trap have been identified and integrated into a model that accurately describes the collection process. The model has been verified experimentally; a 6% capture efficiency has been demonstrated for stable Cs isotopes and we predict a simple change in trapping cell geometry will allow a 50% capture efficiency. This paper discussed the issues involved in efficient capture, such as the trapping laser properties and wall-coatings. It describes a new cell design for efficient capture and discusses current work towards trapping small numbers of 221Fr (T1/2 equals 4.8 minutes) atoms.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The use of an optical trap for the quantitative detection of small numbers of radioactive atoms is featured. Presently under construction is a system consisting of a high-efficiency magneto-optical trap (MOT) coupled to a mass separator. Mass-separated samples will be implanted into a thin platinum foil, subsequently released from the foil by heating, and resonantly trapped in the MOT. The number of atoms in the trap will be quantitatively deduced from the amplitude of the fluorescence signal. Measurements for different isotopes are planned by appropriately shifting the trapping and repumping laser frequencies of the optical trap. Our initial investigations will concentrate on the determination of trace amounts of 135Cs and 137Cs.
Laser cooling and trapping of rare, radioactive isotopes has the potential for greatly enhancing experiments in high resolution spectroscopy of exotic species, electron electric-dipole moment searches, β-decay asymmetry, and parity nonconservation. The ability to hold atoms for several seconds at high densities (1011 cm-3) and away from the perturbing effects of the cell walls makes laser cooling and trapping attractive for use in the experiments mentioned above. Because many isotopes of interest for these experiments are difficult to produce, the ability to quickly and efficiently collect these atoms from a dilute vapor is crucial. We have demonstrated a 6% collection efficiency in a special wall-coated cell. We have developed a model that predicts the capture efficiency as a function of trap properties and have developed techniques for measuring the pertinent characteristics.