First experimental realization of an Iron Magneto-Optical Trap

Heung‐Ryoul Noh, J. O. Kim, D. S. Nam +1 more

We demonstrate simultaneous trapping and spatial separation of the two stable rubidium isotopes in a magneto-optical trap. To realize this novel type of isotope separation, we have built a compact diode laser which is frequency-stabilized by optical feedback from a diffraction grating, and frequency-modulated by a direct microwave modulation of the bias current from a yittrium iron garnet tuned oscillator. Use of the single diode laser with microwave sidebands provides much ease and flexibility in the applications of a magneto-optical trap.

Chasen S Himeda

Alex Krüger, R. Zanon, Vanderlei Salvador Bagnato +1 more

Boon-Keng Kevin Teo, Georg A. Raithel

Summary form only given. Our guide is similar to the in-line magneto-optical trap (MOT) described previously. Two parallel wire structures placed outside the vacuum chamber (tilted at 11/spl deg/ from the horizontal) provide the transverse trapping field which is compatible with the simultaneous operation of an in-line MOT. A tapered iron alloy (magnetic iron) surrounds each of the wire structures and boosts the field gradient by up to a factor of 4.

Kai Bongs, Wiebke Brinkmann, Hansjörg Dittus +17 more

We report on the first realization of magneto-optically cooled atoms in microgravity as a first result of the collaboration project ATKAT (atom catapult). We present the compact and robust setup for cooling and trapping neutral 87Rb atoms in microgravity conditions in the drop tower in Bremen⊥ ⊥www.zarm.uni-bremen.de and discuss the specific requirements the setup has to meet. In particular we present a small size and mechanically stable laser system and discuss the specifics of the ultra high vacuum chamber. A free falling magneto-optical trap (MOT) as realized in this project provides a basis for further experiments which aim at investigating cold quantum matter in microgravity.

韩燕旭, 刘永宏, 张春红 +2 more