Simultaneous Trapping of Two Different Atomic Species in a Vapor-Cell Magneto-Optical Trap

Sergey Nikitich Atutov, R. Calabrese, A. Facchini +2 more

Tanwa Arpornthip, Charles A. Sackett, J. V. Hughes +1 more

Luís Gustavo Marcassa, D. M. B. P. Milori, Marcos Oriá +2 more

Moises S. Santos, P. Nussenzveig, Luís Gustavo Marcassa +4 more

We have produced a magneto-optical trap that simultaneously confines two different atomic species: sodium and potassium. A measurement of the sodium trap loss rate constant due to collisions with cold potassium atoms was performed. We extract this rate constant by measuring the temporal behavior of the loading process of the sodium trap in the presence and absence of cold potassium. The constant that is obtained can be qualitatively explained using simple existing models. Future applications of simultaneous trapping are discussed.

Carlos Chesman, J. W. R. Tabosa, S. S. Vianna +2 more

Gustavo Deczka Telles, Luís Gustavo Marcassa, Sérgio Ricardo Muniz +5 more

Summary form only given. We have developed a new vapor cell for a magneto-optical trap (MOT) that has the capability of trapping two different species simultaneously and independently. Currently, we can trap any pair involving two of the following atoms: Na, K, Rb, and Cs. Our experimental setup consists of a cylindrical stainless steel chamber with four reservoirs. These independent reservoirs allow us to pick the species to be investigated.