Noble-Gas Atomic Interferometer
Abstract
We report the development of general methods for trapping and cooling of atoms and molecules for atom optics and interferometry. The starting point of this work is the supersonic beam which produces a monochromatic, but fast beam of a noble-gas carrier gas. Atoms or molecules can generally be seeded or entrained into the supersonic beam flow. In one approach, ground-state helium atoms were slowed by reflection from Si(111) mounted on a spinning rotor. In order to stop and trap other atoms, we developed a multi-stage "atomic coilgun" consisting of miniature electromagnets with each one generating a short magnetic pulse. We were able to use this device to slow and then stop a supersonic beam of metastable neon atoms. The same apparatus was next used to stop a beam of molecular oxygen. In parallel, we have developed a general method of cooling that does not require a cycling transition and can be used to accumulate magnetically trapped atoms in an optical tweezer near the recoil temperature. This method, single-photon cooling, is based on a one-way wall for atoms and molecules. The combination of two methods provides a two-step solution to trapping and cooling that will work on most of the periodic table.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 19, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA545155
Entities
People
- Mark G. Raizen
Organizations
- University of Texas at Austin