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Journal of the Optical Society of America B

Laser deceleration and velocity bunching of a neutral sodium beam

Vanderlei Salvador Bagnato, Gregory P. Lafyatis, Alexander G. Martin, Kristian Helmerson, J. Landry, David E. Pritchard

Published Nov 1, 1989• 9 citations
Publisher

Abstract

We have studied in detail the Zeeman-tuned slowing of a beam of sodium atoms. We present experimental data that examine details of the slowing by studying the atomic beam both as it slows and after the slowing process has been completed. A Monte Carlo computer simulation reproduces many of the details of our experimental data. We also discuss an analytic model based on the idea that the slowing proceeds adiabatically—that is, such that slowing atoms are always nearly resonant with the laser. This model allows us to give simple physical interpretations to many of the features of our data.

DOI
10.1364/josab.6.002171

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We have studied in detail the Zeeman-tuned slowing of a beam of sodium atoms. We present experimental data that examine details of the slowing by studying the atomic beam both as it slows and after the slowing process has been completed. A Monte Carlo computer simulation reproduces many of the details of our experimental data. We also discuss an analytic model based on the idea that the slowing proceeds adiabatically—that is, such that slowing atoms are always nearly resonant with the laser. This model allows us to give simple physical interpretations to many of the features of our data.
We have developed a diagnostic tool for the study of Zeeman-compensated slowing of an alkali-metal atomic beam. Our time-of-flight technique measures the longitudinal velocity distribution of the slowed atoms with a resolution below the Doppler limit. Furthermore, it can map the position and velocity distribution of atoms in either ground hyperfine level inside the solenoid without any devices inside the solenoid. The technique reveals the optical pumping effects and shows in detail how the slowing within the solenoid proceeds. We find for Na that most atoms in the chosen hyperfine state are decelerated in the slowing process. The width of the velocity distribution is determined mainly by inhomogeneities in the slowing laser beam. Using the central most uniform part of an expanded laser beam, the width is reduced to 2.5 m/s, corresponding to 3.2 mK. Finally, we discuss and show a method to produce a beam with two-velocity components for the study of head-tail low-energy collisions.