Abstract
We describe a simple experimental technique which allows us to store a small and deterministic number of neutral atoms in an optical dipole trap. The desired atom number is prepared in a magneto-optical trap overlapped with a single focused Nd:YAG laser beam. Dipole trap loading efficiency of 100% and storage times of about one minute have been achieved. We have also prepared atoms in a certain hyperfine state and demonstrated the feasibility of a state-selective detection via resonance fluorescence at the level of a few neutral atoms. A spin relaxation time of the polarized sample of 4.2 +/- 0.7 a has been measured. Possible applications are briefly discussed.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 3777-3780 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Physical Review Letters |
Volume | 85 |
Issue number | 18 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 30 Oct 2000 |
Keywords
- single atoms
- optical dipole trap
- deterministic source
- cold atoms
- neutral atoms
- magneto-optical trap