Spontaneous Force Optical Traps
Abstract
Extensive studies were carried out on the use of laser light to cool and trap neutral cesium atoms. High density samples were obtained of trapped cesium with temperatures as low as 0.3 mK, and the interactions between these atoms studied. Because of the very low temperatures and high densities, these atoms show unique short range interactions as well as unexpected long range interactions. At short range, the laser excitation of the atoms induces inelastic collisions which lead to loss from the trap. Multiple scattering of photons leads to long range interactions between the atoms which cause the trapped cloud to behave in a collective manner, and undergo abrupt changes in shape. The ability to optically trap atoms directly from a low pressure vapor demonstrated along with potential of this technology for making an improved atomic clock. (JHD)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA228539
Entities
People
- Carl E. Wieman
Organizations
- University of Colorado Boulder