We measure the number of atoms N trapped in a conventional vapor-cell magneto-optic trap (MOT) using beams that have a diameter d in the range 1-5 mm. We show that the N is proportional to d(3.6) scaling law observed for larger MOTs is a robust approximation for optimized MOTs with beam diameters as small as 3 mm. For smaller beams, the description of the scaling depends on how d is defined. The most consistent picture of the scaling is obtained when d is defined as the diameter where the intensity profile of the trapping beams decreases to the saturation intensity. Using this definition, N scales as d(6) for d<2.3 mm but, at larger d, N still scales as d(3.6).We measure the number of atoms N trapped in a conventional vapor-cell magneto-optic trap (MOT) using beams that have a diameter d in the range 1-5 mm. We show that the N is proportional to d(3.6) scaling law observed for larger MOTs is a robust approximation for optimized MOTs with beam diameters as small as 3 mm. For smaller beams, the description of the scaling depends on how d is defined. The most consistent picture of the scaling is obtained when d is defined as the diameter where the intensity profile of the trapping beams decreases to the saturation intensity. Using this definition, N scales as d(6) for d<2.3 mm but, at larger d, N still scales as d(3.6).

Optics LettersFeb 21, 201328 citations

Investigations on Individual Atoms in Magneto-Optical and Magnetic Traps

S. aus-der-Wiesche, B. Ueberholz, Frank Strauch +2 more

European Quantum Electronics Conference (EQEC)Jan 1, 19960 citations

Dissipative pure-optical trap for laser cooling and trapping of neutral atoms

Прудников Олег Николаевич, R. Ya. Ilenkov, A. V. Taichenachev +2 more

We show the possibility of implementing a deep dissipative optical lattice for neutral atoms with a macroscopic period. The depth of the lattice can reach magnitudes comparable to the depth of the magneto-optical traps (MOT), while the presence of dissipative friction forces allows for trapping and cooling of atoms. The area of localization of trapped atoms reaches sub-millimeter size, and the number of atoms is comparable to the number trapped in MOT. As an example, we study lithium atoms for which the macroscopic period of the lattice $Λ=1.5$ cm. Such deep optical lattices with a macroscopic period open up possibility for developing effective methods for cooling and trapping neutral atoms without use of magnetic field as an alternative to MOT. This is important for developing compact systems based on cold atoms.We show the possibility of implementing a deep dissipative optical lattice for neutral atoms with a macroscopic period. The depth of the lattice can reach magnitudes comparable to the depth of the magneto-optical traps (MOT), while the presence of dissipative friction forces allows for trapping and cooling of atoms. The area of localization of trapped atoms reaches sub-millimeter size, and the number of atoms is comparable to the number trapped in MOT. As an example, we study lithium atoms for which the macroscopic period of the lattice $Λ=1.5$ cm. Such deep optical lattices with a macroscopic period open up possibility for developing effective methods for cooling and trapping neutral atoms without use of magnetic field as an alternative to MOT. This is important for developing compact systems based on cold atoms.

arXiv:2306.13294Jun 23, 20230 citations

Absolute Measurement of Atom Number in a Magneto-Optical Trap

Ite A. Yu

APSMay 1, 20020 citations

Spatial distribution of atoms in a magneto-optical trap

Luís Gustavo Marcassa, Gregory I. Surdutovich, Marcos Oriá +4 more

Quantum Electronics and Laser Science ConferenceMay 2, 19930 citations

Hexapole-compensated magneto-optical trap on a mesoscopic atom chip

S. Jöllenbeck, J. Mahnke, R. Randoll +3 more

Magneto-optical traps on atom chips are usually restricted to small atomic samples due to a limited capture volume caused primarily by distorted field configurations. Here we present a magneto-optical trap based on a millimeter-sized wire structure which generates a magnetic field with minimized distortions. Together with the loading from a high-flux two-dimensional magneto-optical trap, we achieve a loading rate of $8.4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{10}$ atoms/s and maximum number of $8.7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{9}$ captured atoms. The wire structure is placed outside of the vacuum to enable a further adaptation to new scientific objectives. Since all magnetic fields are applied locally without the need for external bias fields, the presented setup will facilitate parallel generation of Bose-Einstein condensates on a conveyor belt with a cycle rate above $1$ Hz.Magneto-optical traps on atom chips are usually restricted to small atomic samples due to a limited capture volume caused primarily by distorted field configurations. Here we present a magneto-optical trap based on a millimeter-sized wire structure which generates a magnetic field with minimized distortions. Together with the loading from a high-flux two-dimensional magneto-optical trap, we achieve a loading rate of $8.4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{10}$ atoms/s and maximum number of $8.7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{9}$ captured atoms. The wire structure is placed outside of the vacuum to enable a further adaptation to new scientific objectives. Since all magnetic fields are applied locally without the need for external bias fields, the presented setup will facilitate parallel generation of Bose-Einstein condensates on a conveyor belt with a cycle rate above $1$ Hz.

arXiv:1012.4321Physical Review AApr 11, 201125 citations

Λ=1.5

cm. Such deep optical lattices with a macroscopic period open up possibility for developing effective methods for cooling and trapping neutral atoms without use of magnetic field as an alternative to MOT. This is important for developing compact systems based on cold atoms.

1

Hz.