Characterization of Laser-Cooled Atomic Samples

We report an experiment on recoil-ion momentum spectroscopy of ${\mathrm{Rb}}^{+}$ ions formed by two-photon ionization of ${\mathrm{Rb}}^{2}{P}_{3/2}$ at 790 nm. Laser-cooled atoms in a magneto-optic trap are used as the target in time-of-flight analysis of the recoil momentum. We demonstrate a resolution of 1 \ensuremath{\mu}eV with a limiting momentum resolution below $\ensuremath{\delta}p=0.05$ a.u. We also show the use of the photoionization technique for the characterization of cold atomic samples.We report an experiment on recoil-ion momentum spectroscopy of ${\mathrm{Rb}}^{+}$ ions formed by two-photon ionization of ${\mathrm{Rb}}^{2}{P}_{3/2}$ at 790 nm. Laser-cooled atoms in a magneto-optic trap are used as the target in time-of-flight analysis of the recoil momentum. We demonstrate a resolution of 1 \ensuremath{\mu}eV with a limiting momentum resolution below $\ensuremath{\delta}p=0.05$ a.u. We also show the use of the photoionization technique for the characterization of cold atomic samples.

Physical Review ASep 18, 200027 citations

A narrow linewidth diode laser system for strontium laser cooling applications

Sarah Nagel

The diode laser system for laser cooling on the 1S 0 → 3P1 intercombination line of strontium discussed in this thesis allows us to cool and trap an atomic strontium sample to 15 muK. Samples in this temperature range are useful for the development of the next generation of atomic frequency standards, cold collision studies, and as a step towards quantum degeneracy. This laser system consists of a Littrow configuration external-cavity diode laser, which is frequency locked to a high finesse cavity. The cavity is subsequently locked to an absorption feature to produce a few mW of tunable, stabilized, single mode power at the target wavelength. We present the design and characterization of this system, including a linewidth measurement of 70 kHz, as well as preliminary results from cooling and trapping.The diode laser system for laser cooling on the 1S 0 → 3P1 intercombination line of strontium discussed in this thesis allows us to cool and trap an atomic strontium sample to 15 muK. Samples in this temperature range are useful for the development of the next generation of atomic frequency standards, cold collision studies, and as a step towards quantum degeneracy. This laser system consists of a Littrow configuration external-cavity diode laser, which is frequency locked to a high finesse cavity. The cavity is subsequently locked to an absorption feature to produce a few mW of tunable, stabilized, single mode power at the target wavelength. We present the design and characterization of this system, including a linewidth measurement of 70 kHz, as well as preliminary results from cooling and trapping.

Jan 1, 20041 citation

Some investigations of laser cooled atoms

Uday Kumar Khan

Jan 1, 20050 citations

Laser cooling of BaH molecules, and new ideas for the detection of dark matter

Rees L. McNally

The advent of laser cooling and optical manipulation for atomic samples revolutionized atomic physics in 1990’s, allowing the creation of new phases of matter, more accurate atomic clocks, and enabling leading candidates for the first functional quantum computer. This could not have been predicted at the time, and is a testament to the value of fundamental research for its own sake. These same laser cooling techniques are now being applied to simple molecular systems with the same revolutionary potential. In this thesis, I will present a range of experiments exploring these schemes in a new class of molecules, the diatomic alkaline earth hydrides. We present the creation and characterization of a bright beam of cold barium hydride molecules, high precision spectroscopy of these samples, as well as optical deflection and transverse cooling. This represents the first laser cooling of a Hydride molecule. This is a crucial step towards the creation of new cold molecular samples for a variety of scientific applications. In the final chapter, I will change gears, and introduce new ideas for the detection of scalar field dark matter. While this variety of dark matter is typically searched for using atomic clocks, I will show that the same coupling also leads to anomalous acceleration of test masses. This acceleration would be detectable using both a network of precision acceleration sensors known as the IGETS network, and by the LIGO observatory. This new technique will compliment existing search strategies, and has higher sensitivity for a wide region of parameter space.The advent of laser cooling and optical manipulation for atomic samples revolutionized atomic physics in 1990’s, allowing the creation of new phases of matter, more accurate atomic clocks, and enabling leading candidates for the first functional quantum computer. This could not have been predicted at the time, and is a testament to the value of fundamental research for its own sake. These same laser cooling techniques are now being applied to simple molecular systems with the same revolutionary potential. In this thesis, I will present a range of experiments exploring these schemes in a new class of molecules, the diatomic alkaline earth hydrides. We present the creation and characterization of a bright beam of cold barium hydride molecules, high precision spectroscopy of these samples, as well as optical deflection and transverse cooling. This represents the first laser cooling of a Hydride molecule. This is a crucial step towards the creation of new cold molecular samples for a variety of scientific applications. In the final chapter, I will change gears, and introduce new ideas for the detection of scalar field dark matter. While this variety of dark matter is typically searched for using atomic clocks, I will show that the same coupling also leads to anomalous acceleration of test masses. This acceleration would be detectable using both a network of precision acceleration sensors known as the IGETS network, and by the LIGO observatory. This new technique will compliment existing search strategies, and has higher sensitivity for a wide region of parameter space.

Jan 1, 20211 citation

Interaction of intense laser pulses with ultra-cold atomic samples

D. Ciampini, F. Fuso, J. Müller +3 more

Jan 1, 20000 citations

We report an experiment on recoil-ion momentum spectroscopy of

{\mathrm{Rb}}^{+}

ions formed by two-photon ionization of

{\mathrm{Rb}}^{2}{P}_{3/2}

at 790 nm. Laser-cooled atoms in a magneto-optic trap are used as the target in time-of-flight analysis of the recoil momentum. We demonstrate a resolution of 1 \ensuremath{\mu}eV with a limiting momentum resolution below $\ensuremath{\delta}p=0.05$ a.u. We also show the use of the photoionization technique for the characterization of cold atomic samples.