Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics

Stimulated Slowing of Yb Atoms on the Narrow 1S0 →3P1 Transition

Tanaporn Na Narong, Leo W. Hollberg

Published Jan 1, 2021• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

We propose a method for slowing, cooling and trapping Yb atoms using stimulated forces and only the 1S0 → 3P1 transition. With laser frequency chirp, our computer simulation predicts a MOT loading rate over 108 atoms/s.
DOI
10.1364/cleo_qels.2021.fw3p.3

Related papers

Stimulated slowing of Yb atoms on the narrow 1S0 → 3P1 transition

Tanaporn Na Narong, Tianmin Liu, Nikhil Raghuram +1 more

We analyzed bichromatic and polychromatic stimulated forces for laser cooling and trapping of Yb atoms using only the narrow ${}^{1}{S}_{0}\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}}^{3}{P}_{1}$ transition. Our model is based on numerical solutions of optical Bloch equations for two-level atoms driven by multiple time-dependent fields combined with Monte Carlo simulations, which account for realistic experimental conditions such as atomic beam divergence, geometry, and Gaussian laser modes. Using 1 W of laser power, we predict a loading rate of $\ensuremath{\approx}\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}{10}^{8}$ atoms/s into a 556-nm magneto-optical trap (MOT) with a slowing force of $\ensuremath{\approx}60{F}_{\text{rad}}$. We show that a square-wave modulation can produce similar stimulated forces with almost twice the velocity range and improve the MOT loading rate of Yb atoms by up to 70%.

arXiv:2109.09899•Physical Review A•Nov 29, 2021•3 citations

Loading of a large Yb MOT on the 1 S 0 → 1 P 1 transition

Hector Letellier, Álvaro Mitchell Galvão de Melo, A. Dorne +1 more

We present an experimental setup to laser cool and trap a large number of ytterbium atoms. Our design uses an oven with an array of micro-tubes for efficient collimation of the atomic beam, and we implement a magneto-optical trap of 174Yb on the 1S0 → 1P1 transition at 399 nm. Despite the absence of a Zeeman slower, we obtain a loading of 4 × 109 at./s. We trap up to N = 109 at., where light-assisted collisions become the dominant loss mechanism. We precisely characterize our atomic beam, the loading rate of the magneto-optical trap, and several loss mechanisms relevant for trapping a large number of atoms.

arXiv:2308.00387•Review of Scientific Instruments•Dec 1, 2023•12 citations

Analysis of Stimulated Forces for Slowing and Trapping Yb Atoms on the Narrow 1 S 0 ↔ 3 P 1 Transition

Tanaporn Na Narong, Leo W. Hollberg

Bulletin of the American Physical Society•Jun 1, 2021•0 citations

Direct loading of a large Yb MOT on the 1 S 0 → 3 P 1 transition

Alexander Guttridge, S. A. Hopkins, S. L. Kemp +6 more

Abstract We report a robust technique for laser frequency stabilisation that enables the reproducible loading of in excess of 10 9 Yb atoms from a Zeeman slower directly into a magneto-optical trap (MOT) operating on the 1 S 0 → 3 P 1 transition, without the need for a first stage MOT on the 1 S 0 → 1 P 1 transition. We use a simple atomic beam apparatus to generate narrow fluorescence signals on both the 399 nm 1 S 0 → 1 P 1 transition used for the Zeeman slower and the 556 nm 1 S 0 → 3 P 1 transition. We present in detail the methods for obtaining spectra with a high signal-to-noise ratio and demonstrate error signals suitable for robust frequency stabilisation. Finally we demonstrate the stability and precision of our technique through sensitive measurements of the gravitational sag of the Yb MOT as a function of the intensity of the laser cooling beams, which are in good agreement with theory. These results will be important for efficient loading of the atoms into an optical dipole trap.

arXiv:1512.06723•Journal of Physics B Atomic Molecular and Optical Physics•Jun 28, 2016•32 citations

Efficient Loading of an Yb MOT on the 1S0 → 1P1 Transition

Zhufang Zhao, Shunxiang Wang, Jun Jian +5 more

We demonstrate efficient loading of an Yb three-dimensional magneto-optical trap (3D MOT) on the 1S0 → 1P1 transition. The experiment employs a two-dimensional magneto-optical trap (2D MOT) as an efficient cold atom source. Through optimization of the 2D MOT, auxiliary Zeeman slower, and push beam parameters that govern atomic capture, we achieve an atomic loading rate of 5 × 106 atoms/s in the 3D MOT, with approximately ∼107 trapped atoms. Our experimental results confirm the successful transfer of a substantial number of atoms from the 2D region to the science chamber via the push beam, providing an experimental foundation for subsequent implementation of narrow-line MOT and two-color MOT.

Photonics•Oct 28, 2025•1 citation

Magneto-Optical Trapping of Ytterbium Atoms with a 398.9 nm Laser

Zhao Peng-Yi, Xiong Zhuan-Xian, Jie Liang +2 more

We report the realization of ytterbium magneto-optical trap (MOT) operating on the dipole-allowed 1 S 0 — 1 P 1 transition at 398.9 nm. The MOT is loaded by a slowed atomic beam produced by a Zeeman slower. All seven stable isotopes of Yb atoms could be trapped separately at different laser detuning values. Over 10 7 174 Yb atoms are collected in the MOT, whereas the atom number of fermionic isotope 171 Yb is roughly 2.3 × 10 6 due to a lower abundance. Without the Zeeman slower, the trapped atom numbers are one order of magnitude lower. Both the even and odd isotopes are recognized as excellent candidates of optical clock transition, so the cooling and trapping of ytterbium atoms by the blue MOT is an important step for building an optical clock.

Chinese Physics Letters•Oct 1, 2008•16 citations
We analyzed bichromatic and polychromatic stimulated forces for laser cooling and trapping of Yb atoms using only the narrow ${}^{1}{S}_{0}\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}}^{3}{P}_{1}$ transition. Our model is based on numerical solutions of optical Bloch equations for two-level atoms driven by multiple time-dependent fields combined with Monte Carlo simulations, which account for realistic experimental conditions such as atomic beam divergence, geometry, and Gaussian laser modes. Using 1 W of laser power, we predict a loading rate of $\ensuremath{\approx}\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}{10}^{8}$ atoms/s into a 556-nm magneto-optical trap (MOT) with a slowing force of $\ensuremath{\approx}60{F}_{\text{rad}}$. We show that a square-wave modulation can produce similar stimulated forces with almost twice the velocity range and improve the MOT loading rate of Yb atoms by up to 70%.
We present an experimental setup to laser cool and trap a large number of ytterbium atoms. Our design uses an oven with an array of micro-tubes for efficient collimation of the atomic beam, and we implement a magneto-optical trap of 174Yb on the 1S0 → 1P1 transition at 399 nm. Despite the absence of a Zeeman slower, we obtain a loading of 4 × 109 at./s. We trap up to N = 109 at., where light-assisted collisions become the dominant loss mechanism. We precisely characterize our atomic beam, the loading rate of the magneto-optical trap, and several loss mechanisms relevant for trapping a large number of atoms.
Abstract We report a robust technique for laser frequency stabilisation that enables the reproducible loading of in excess of 10 9 Yb atoms from a Zeeman slower directly into a magneto-optical trap (MOT) operating on the 1 S 0 → 3 P 1 transition, without the need for a first stage MOT on the 1 S 0 → 1 P 1 transition. We use a simple atomic beam apparatus to generate narrow fluorescence signals on both the 399 nm 1 S 0 → 1 P 1 transition used for the Zeeman slower and the 556 nm 1 S 0 → 3 P 1 transition. We present in detail the methods for obtaining spectra with a high signal-to-noise ratio and demonstrate error signals suitable for robust frequency stabilisation. Finally we demonstrate the stability and precision of our technique through sensitive measurements of the gravitational sag of the Yb MOT as a function of the intensity of the laser cooling beams, which are in good agreement with theory. These results will be important for efficient loading of the atoms into an optical dipole trap.
We demonstrate efficient loading of an Yb three-dimensional magneto-optical trap (3D MOT) on the 1S0 → 1P1 transition. The experiment employs a two-dimensional magneto-optical trap (2D MOT) as an efficient cold atom source. Through optimization of the 2D MOT, auxiliary Zeeman slower, and push beam parameters that govern atomic capture, we achieve an atomic loading rate of 5 × 106 atoms/s in the 3D MOT, with approximately ∼107 trapped atoms. Our experimental results confirm the successful transfer of a substantial number of atoms from the 2D region to the science chamber via the push beam, providing an experimental foundation for subsequent implementation of narrow-line MOT and two-color MOT.
We report the realization of ytterbium magneto-optical trap (MOT) operating on the dipole-allowed 1 S 0 — 1 P 1 transition at 398.9 nm. The MOT is loaded by a slowed atomic beam produced by a Zeeman slower. All seven stable isotopes of Yb atoms could be trapped separately at different laser detuning values. Over 10 7 174 Yb atoms are collected in the MOT, whereas the atom number of fermionic isotope 171 Yb is roughly 2.3 × 10 6 due to a lower abundance. Without the Zeeman slower, the trapped atom numbers are one order of magnitude lower. Both the even and odd isotopes are recognized as excellent candidates of optical clock transition, so the cooling and trapping of ytterbium atoms by the blue MOT is an important step for building an optical clock.