Abstract

We carry out photoionization experiments on laser-cooled alkali atoms by irradiating rubidium and cesium magneto-optical traps (MOTs) with a photoionizing laser beam. Analysis of the loading behavior of the traps allows us to determine photoionization cross-sections for the first excited state of rubidium and cesium based on a trap load/loss model. In addition, our experimental findings reveal systematic peculiarities, which can be ascribed to the low temperature of the atomic samples under investigation.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

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 call