Line shapes of cascade two-photon transitions in a cesium magneto-optic trap

Abstract

We present a study of a two-photon double-resonance transition in cold cesium atoms in a magneto-optic trap. A closed five-level density matrix model of the system is developed to characterize the double-resonance Autler–Townes-split absorption line shape. Comparing this model with experimental spectra, we gain insight into the dominant process involved in trapping atoms, in particular, the importance of the interference of the six trapping laser beams. This system is used to probe transient effects in the trap as well as collective effects of the trapped atom cloud resulting from the intentional misalignment of the trapping beams.