Abstract
We describe a dynamic magneto-optical trap (MOT) suitable for the use with vacuum systems in which optical access is limited to a single window. This technique facilitates the long-standing desire of producing integrated atom chips, many of which are likely to have severely restricted optical access compared with conventional vacuum chambers. This ‘switching-MOT’ relies on the synchronized pulsing of optical and magnetic fields at audio frequencies. The trap’s beam geometry is obtained using a planar mirror surface, and does not require a patterned substrate or bulky optics inside the vacuum chamber. Central to the design is a novel magnetic field geometry that requires no external quadrupole or bias coils which leads toward a very compact system. We have implemented the trap for 85Rb and shown that it is capable of capturing 2 million atoms and directly cooling below the Doppler temperature.
Highlights
The magneto-optical trap (MOT) has revolutionized the fields of atomic and quantum physics by providing a gateway between the thermal ‘classical’ regime down to the ultracold ‘quantum’ regime where the de-Broglie wavelength becomes significant and environmental decoherence is greatly reduced
An ‘atom chip’ is an arrangement of microfabricated current-carrying wires patterned on a substrate which is used to trap and control atoms via the strong magnetic field gradients offered at distances close to conductors [1,2,3,4,5]
More recently efforts have begun to be directed towards portable systems, including so called integrated atom chips, where the ubiquitous multi-window stainless steel UHV chamber is replaced by microfabricated vacuum cells, and tables of optics and electronics are miniaturized into portable packages
Summary
ACCEPTED FOR PUBLICATION Keywords: Laser cooling, atom cooling methods, magneto optical traps, atom traps and guides
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
