Demonstration of the microwave trap for cesium atoms

Abstract

We have demonstrated trapping of neutral cesium atoms by the dipole force in a microwave field, as proposed by Agosta et al. The trap is approximately 100 μK deep and was loaded with laser‐cooled cesium atoms. The trap lifetime of about 1 s was probably limited by collisions with background gas. The microwave trap holds promise for reaching the conditions for Bose‐Einstein condensation in atomic hydrogen or the alkalis.