Laser cooling has advanced to the point where atomic motion can no longer be described in terms of discrete particles moving on classical trajectories. Instead, de Broglie wave fields occupy quantum states of a potential created by the interaction between atoms and the light field. Atomic transitions between these quantum states are mediated by optical pumping, in much the same way as transitions were made between internal angular momentum states in Prof. Series' time. Some examples are studied here, with special emphasis on dark states.Laser cooling has advanced to the point where atomic motion can no longer be described in terms of discrete particles moving on classical trajectories. Instead, de Broglie wave fields occupy quantum states of a potential created by the interaction between atoms and the light field. Atomic transitions between these quantum states are mediated by optical pumping, in much the same way as transitions were made between internal angular momentum states in Prof. Series' time. Some examples are studied here, with special emphasis on dark states.

Physica ScriptaJan 1, 19972 citations

Laser cooling to quantum degeneracy1

Florian Schreck

Bulletin of the American Physical SocietyJun 7, 20130 citations

Laser cooling to a single quantum state in a trap: One-dimensional results

Thomas Pellizzari, P. Marte, P. Zoller

Laser cooling in a trap is investigated for laser and trapping configurations which allow the existence of approximate ``dark states'' of the combined atom-plus-trap system, i.e., states that are decoupled from the laser light by quantum interference. We show that a one-dimensional (1D) free-particle dark state in angular momentum ${\mathit{J}}_{\mathit{g}}$ =1 to ${\mathit{J}}_{\mathit{e}}$ =1 transitions and in two counterpropagating laser fields survives as an approximate dark state in a ``flat-bottom'' trap of size much larger than the optical wavelength. Furthermore, we show the existence of approximate dark states in 1D harmonic-oscillator potentials. In the latter configuration we are able to provide analytical results.Laser cooling in a trap is investigated for laser and trapping configurations which allow the existence of approximate ``dark states'' of the combined atom-plus-trap system, i.e., states that are decoupled from the laser light by quantum interference. We show that a one-dimensional (1D) free-particle dark state in angular momentum ${\mathit{J}}_{\mathit{g}}$=1 to ${\mathit{J}}_{\mathit{e}}$=1 transitions and in two counterpropagating laser fields survives as an approximate dark state in a ``flat-bottom'' trap of size much larger than the optical wavelength. Furthermore, we show the existence of approximate dark states in 1D harmonic-oscillator potentials. In the latter configuration we are able to provide analytical results.

Physical Review ADec 1, 19954 citations

Laser cooling for quantum gases

Florian Schreck, N. J. van Druten

arXiv:2209.01026Nature PhysicsNov 18, 202160 citations

{\mathit{J}}_{\mathit{g}}

=1 to

{\mathit{J}}_{\mathit{e}}

=1 transitions and in two counterpropagating laser fields survives as an approximate dark state in a ``flat-bottom'' trap of size much larger than the optical wavelength. Furthermore, we show the existence of approximate dark states in 1D harmonic-oscillator potentials. In the latter configuration we are able to provide analytical results.