We report on an experimental realization of a two-dimensional magneto-optical trap (2D-MOT) that allows the generation of cold atomic beams of $^{39}\mathrm{K}$ and $^{41}\mathrm{K}$ bosonic potassium isotopes. The high measured fluxes up to $1.0\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{11}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{atoms}∕\mathrm{s}$ and low atomic velocities around $33\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{m}∕\mathrm{s}$ are well suited for a fast and reliable three-dimensional magneto-optical trap loading, a basilar feature for new generation experiments on Bose-Einstein condensation of dilute atomic samples. We also present a simple multilevel theoretical model for the calculation of the light-induced force acting on an atom moving in a MOT. The model gives a good agreement between predicted and measured flux and velocity values for our 2D-MOT.We report on an experimental realization of a two-dimensional magneto-optical trap (2D-MOT) that allows the generation of cold atomic beams of $^{39}\mathrm{K}$ and $^{41}\mathrm{K}$ bosonic potassium isotopes. The high measured fluxes up to $1.0\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{11}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{atoms}∕\mathrm{s}$ and low atomic velocities around $33\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{m}∕\mathrm{s}$ are well suited for a fast and reliable three-dimensional magneto-optical trap loading, a basilar feature for new generation experiments on Bose-Einstein condensation of dilute atomic samples. We also present a simple multilevel theoretical model for the calculation of the light-induced force acting on an atom moving in a MOT. The model gives a good agreement between predicted and measured flux and velocity values for our 2D-MOT.

arXiv:cond-mat/0511113Physical Review AMar 14, 200653 citations

Efficient parametric non-degenerate four-wave mixing in hot potassium vapor

B. Zlatković, Aleksandar J. Krmpot, Nikola Šibalić +2 more

Abstract We have observed high gains of the probe and the conjugate beams in non-degenerate four-wave mixing in hot potassium vapor, using a double-Λ configuration at the D1 line of the 39 K isotope. Gains of up to 82 for the conjugate beam and 63 for the probe beam have been achieved. Higher gains were obtained than with other alkali atoms under comparable experimental conditions due to lower ground state hyperfine splitting in the potassium atom. Experimental parameters for maximal gain have been determined. Notable gains are achieved at low pump intensities (~10 W cm −2 ) that are attainable even by conventional laser diodes. Due to their high gains, the probe and the conjugate beams may be suitable for utilization in quantum correlation and relative intensity squeezing experiments.Abstract We have observed high gains of the probe and the conjugate beams in non-degenerate four-wave mixing in hot potassium vapor, using a double-Λ configuration at the D1 line of the 39 K isotope. Gains of up to 82 for the conjugate beam and 63 for the probe beam have been achieved. Higher gains were obtained than with other alkali atoms under comparable experimental conditions due to lower ground state hyperfine splitting in the potassium atom. Experimental parameters for maximal gain have been determined. Notable gains are achieved at low pump intensities (~10 W cm −2 ) that are attainable even by conventional laser diodes. Due to their high gains, the probe and the conjugate beams may be suitable for utilization in quantum correlation and relative intensity squeezing experiments.

Laser Physics LettersNov 30, 201516 citations

Magneto-optical trapping and ultracold collisions of potassium atoms

R. S. Williamson, Thad G Walker

We present measurements of loading and loss rates for a vapor-cell optical trap of the two naturally occurring potassium isotopes 39K and 41K. The unresolved excited-state hyperfine structure makes trapping of K fundamentally different from trapping of the other alkalis and leads to an enhanced loading rate. We measure the loading rate as a function of laser intensity, beam size, and detuning and find that the results are in reasonable agreement with a simple rate-equation model for the loading process. The dependence of the loss rate on trapped-atom density determines the contribution to the loss rates from excited-state collisions. We find a substantial difference between the collisional loss rates for the two isotopes.We present measurements of loading and loss rates for a vapor-cell optical trap of the two naturally occurring potassium isotopes 39K and 41K. The unresolved excited-state hyperfine structure makes trapping of K fundamentally different from trapping of the other alkalis and leads to an enhanced loading rate. We measure the loading rate as a function of laser intensity, beam size, and detuning and find that the results are in reasonable agreement with a simple rate-equation model for the loading process. The dependence of the loss rate on trapped-atom density determines the contribution to the loss rates from excited-state collisions. We find a substantial difference between the collisional loss rates for the two isotopes.

Journal of the Optical Society of America BAug 1, 199547 citations

We report on an experimental realization of a two-dimensional magneto-optical trap (2D-MOT) that allows the generation of cold atomic beams of

^{39}\mathrm{K}

and

^{41}\mathrm{K}

bosonic potassium isotopes. The high measured fluxes up to $1.0\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{11}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{atoms}∕\mathrm{s}$ and low atomic velocities around

33\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{m}∕\mathrm{s}

are well suited for a fast and reliable three-dimensional magneto-optical trap loading, a basilar feature for new generation experiments on Bose-Einstein condensation of dilute atomic samples. We also present a simple multilevel theoretical model for the calculation of the light-induced force acting on an atom moving in a MOT. The model gives a good agreement between predicted and measured flux and velocity values for our 2D-MOT.