We show that a three-level atom in the cascade configuration can be stably trapped and cooled in one dimension by an intense bichromatic standing wave. At the two-photon resonance, rectified dipole forces result in a deep potential well which can be used to localize the atoms in space. In the vicinity of the rectified potential minimum, the spatial dependence of the dressed state energies can lead to a velocity dependence of the force which produces damping of the atomic motion. Consideration of the heating effects of momentum diffusion indicates that cooling and stable trapping at low temperatures is possible in such a bichromatic field.We show that a three-level atom in the cascade configuration can be stably trapped and cooled in one dimension by an intense bichromatic standing wave. At the two-photon resonance, rectified dipole forces result in a deep potential well which can be used to localize the atoms in space. In the vicinity of the rectified potential minimum, the spatial dependence of the dressed state energies can lead to a velocity dependence of the force which produces damping of the atomic motion. Consideration of the heating effects of momentum diffusion indicates that cooling and stable trapping at low temperatures is possible in such a bichromatic field.

Optics CommunicationsJul 1, 199514 citations

Observation of three-level rectified dipole forces acting on trapped atoms

Timothy T. Grove, B. C. Duncan, V. Sánchez-Villicaña +1 more

We have observed rectified dipole forces acting on three-level atoms in the cascade configuration. Laser cooled and trapped rubidium atoms are illuminated with an intense bichromatic standing wave (780 and 776 nm) tuned near resonance with the 5 ${\mathit{S}}_{1/2}$ \ensuremath{\rightarrow}5 ${\mathit{P}}_{3/2}$ \ensuremath{\rightarrow}5 ${\mathit{D}}_{5/2}$ transitions. The resulting rectified forces produce periodic potential wells (71-\ensuremath{\mu}m period), which localize the cold atoms. Experimental results are in reasonable agreement with theoretical predictions. These forces may be useful in atom optics and laser traps.We have observed rectified dipole forces acting on three-level atoms in the cascade configuration. Laser cooled and trapped rubidium atoms are illuminated with an intense bichromatic standing wave (780 and 776 nm) tuned near resonance with the 5${\mathit{S}}_{1/2}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}5${\mathit{P}}_{3/2}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}5${\mathit{D}}_{5/2}$ transitions. The resulting rectified forces produce periodic potential wells (71-\ensuremath{\mu}m period), which localize the cold atoms. Experimental results are in reasonable agreement with theoretical predictions. These forces may be useful in atom optics and laser traps.

Physical Review AJun 1, 199529 citations

{\mathit{S}}_{1/2}

\ensuremath{\rightarrow}5

{\mathit{P}}_{3/2}

\ensuremath{\rightarrow}5

{\mathit{D}}_{5/2}

transitions. The resulting rectified forces produce periodic potential wells (71-\ensuremath{\mu}m period), which localize the cold atoms. Experimental results are in reasonable agreement with theoretical predictions. These forces may be useful in atom optics and laser traps.