Diode laser cooling of a potassium beam through a mirrored slit
S. Li, M. Reinsch, John F. Clauser
Results of experiments to cool and decelerate potassium atoms are described. D2 light from one RF modulated, from two CW, or from two ramped diode laser(s) is counter-directed on a potassium - effusing oven`s exit slit via a heated inclined mirror, with a 60{mu} slit cut through it to extract the cooled beam. The pumping light (or RF amplitude) is AC modulated to allow phase sensitive detection of the cooled/decelerated velocity components. Velocity profiles are obtained via fluorescence from D1 excitation at near parallel incidence by a probe laser. Fluorescence excited perpendicularly resolves the K{sup 39} and K{sup 41} hyperfine structures and calibrates the probe wavelength. Velocity component holes and decelerated peaks are observed in all three modes. AC and DC spatial profiles of the beam are measured with a position scanned hotwire detector. While the hole component maintains the spatial profile of the parent thermal beam, perpendicular heating of the decelerated peak component is evidenced by its broader spatial profile.
Bulletin of the American Physical Society•May 1, 1993•0 citations