Direct observation of the Doppleron resonances in the force on a neutral atom in an optical standing wave

John E. Murphy, Lloyd C. L. Hollenberg, Andrew E. Smith

N. P. Bigelow, Mara Goff Prentiss

We report the first direct observation of the effect of Doppleron resonances on the velocity distribution of atoms in an intense optical standing wave. These observations are in reasonable agreement with the simulations based on a continued-fraction solution for the force.

J. J. Tollett

Atoms moving in an intense, near resonant standing wave (SW) experience a force along the direction of the SW. This force has been investigated by observing its effect on the transverse velocities of atoms in a thermal beam. When the standing wave is tuned above resonance the atomic beam is collimated and has an increased intensity at the center of the beam. Below resonance, the SW anti-collimates the atomic beam, reducing the central intensity. These effects are due to the interaction between the induced atomic dipole and the inhomogeneous field of the SW. Further investigation shows structure in the transverse velocity distribution of the atomic beam. This structure is due to multiphoton (Doppleron) resonances in the force. Calculations reproduce the dipole force and multiphoton resonance effects and are in good agreement with the data.

E. V. Baklanov, Vladimir G. Minogin

J. J. Tollett, J. Chen, J. G. Story +3 more

An atomic beam of Li was transversely cooled using an intense standing-wave radiation field. A dramatic change in the transverse velocity distribution was observed. Structure in the resulting velocity distribution was found to be due to velocity-tuned multiphoton ``Doppleron'' resonances. The force due to seven-photon resonances is clearly resolved in the data. The data are in good agreement with theoretical predictions.

G. Compagno, J.S. Peng, Franco Persico