International Laser Science Conference

Experimental observation of laser trapping of atoms

John E. Bjorkholm, Steven Chu, Arthur Ashkin, A. Cable

Published Jan 1, 1986• 0 citations

Abstract

We recently made the first observation of the optical trapping of neutral atoms by the forces of resonance-radiation pressure. We present an updated view of our experimental efforts on optical trapping.

DOI: 10.1364/ils.1986.wf2

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International Laser Science Conference

Experimental observation of laser trapping of atoms

John E. Bjorkholm, Steven Chu, Arthur Ashkin, A. Cable

Published Jan 1, 1986• 0 citations

Publisher

Abstract

DOI: 10.1364/ils.1986.wf2

Related papers

Experimental Observation of Optically Trapped Atoms

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{D}_{1}

resonance transition. We estimate that about 500 atoms are confined in a volume of about

{10}^{3}

\ensuremath{\mu}

{\mathrm{m}}^{3}

at a density of

{10}^{11}

{10}^{12}

${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$. Trap lifetimes are limited by background pressure to several seconds. The observed trapping behavior is in good quantitative agreement with theoretical expectations.