We have demonstrated the specular reflection of Na atoms at a nonuniform laser field, the reflection coefficient of the "atomic mirror" being close to 100%. A specific feature of the reflection process is its quantum-state-selective character. The experimentally measured reflection selectivity (the ratio between the reflection coefficients of the sodium atoms in the ground-state sublevels with $F=2$ and $F=1$ was around 100.We have demonstrated the specular reflection of Na atoms at a nonuniform laser field, the reflection coefficient of the "atomic mirror" being close to 100%. A specific feature of the reflection process is its quantum-state-selective character. The experimentally measured reflection selectivity (the ratio between the reflection coefficients of the sodium atoms in the ground-state sublevels with $F=2$ and $F=1$ was around 100.

Physical Review LettersMay 23, 1988206 citations

Quantum Reflection of Atoms from a Surface

Jean-Louis Basdevant, Jean Dalibard

Springer eBooksJan 1, 20190 citations

Reflection of Atoms by Light

V. I. Balykin, Vladilen S Letokhov

In the reflection of atoms by evanescent wave the amplitude of the light field can be changed not necessarily adiabatically slow in comparison with relaxation of internal atomic motion. An approach to describe the reflection of atoms by evanescent wave is the dressed state picture. An atomic mirror can be formed also by a focused elliptical laser beam, in which atoms intersect near the waist of the laser beam. A simple evanescent wave allows one to create a high homogeneous field along the surface of an atomic mirror, without a limitation on the intensity of the field in an evanescent wave. The size of an atomic mirror is usually restricted by the laser intensity required by the reflection. There are several processes at the reflection of atom by light which could lead to non ideal properties of the mirror. One of the remarkable properties of an atomic mirror is its ability to reflect atoms in a certain quantum state.In the reflection of atoms by evanescent wave the amplitude of the light field can be changed not necessarily adiabatically slow in comparison with relaxation of internal atomic motion. An approach to describe the reflection of atoms by evanescent wave is the dressed state picture. An atomic mirror can be formed also by a focused elliptical laser beam, in which atoms intersect near the waist of the laser beam. A simple evanescent wave allows one to create a high homogeneous field along the surface of an atomic mirror, without a limitation on the intensity of the field in an evanescent wave. The size of an atomic mirror is usually restricted by the laser intensity required by the reflection. There are several processes at the reflection of atom by light which could lead to non ideal properties of the mirror. One of the remarkable properties of an atomic mirror is its ability to reflect atoms in a certain quantum state.

CRC Press eBooksApr 23, 20200 citations

Quantum Reflection of Atoms from a Surface

Springer eBooksDec 12, 20050 citations

A Power Efficient Faraday Laser at 780nm Rb Transition

Zhihong Gao, Jingbiao Chen

Summarywe report on the development of a power efficient Faraday laser working at 780nm Rb transition using an atomic vapor Faraday filter as a frequency-selecting element. In the routine linear-cavity of Faraday laser, a partial reflectivity cavity mirror was used as output coupler. In this work, a high-reflection mirror (R>99.98%) replaces the partial reflectivity cavity mirror, the transmitted light of the Faraday optical filter is fully used as feedback beam and for frequency selection, while the light with polarization perpendicular to the transmitted part from the second polarizing beam splitter (PBS2) of Faraday anomalous dispersion optical filter (FADOF) is output. Single frequency laser is obtained at 780 nm Rb transition over a range of laser diode (LD) current from 60 to 140 mA. Such a single-frequency laser will be an excellent optical frequency standard by frequency stabilization technique.Summarywe report on the development of a power efficient Faraday laser working at 780nm Rb transition using an atomic vapor Faraday filter as a frequency-selecting element. In the routine linear-cavity of Faraday laser, a partial reflectivity cavity mirror was used as output coupler. In this work, a high-reflection mirror (R>99.98%) replaces the partial reflectivity cavity mirror, the transmitted light of the Faraday optical filter is fully used as feedback beam and for frequency selection, while the light with polarization perpendicular to the transmitted part from the second polarizing beam splitter (PBS2) of Faraday anomalous dispersion optical filter (FADOF) is output. Single frequency laser is obtained at 780 nm Rb transition over a range of laser diode (LD) current from 60 to 140 mA. Such a single-frequency laser will be an excellent optical frequency standard by frequency stabilization technique.

Joint Conference of the European Frequency and Time Forum and IEEE International Frequency Control Symposium (EFTF/IFCS)May 15, 20230 citations

Reflection of Atoms from Standing Light Waves

S. Altshuler, Lee M. Frantz, Rubin Braunstein

Physical Review LettersAug 1, 196636 citations

F=2

and

F=1

was around 100.