Single-laser, one beam, tetrahedral magneto-optical trap

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

60 Citations (Scopus)
256 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

We have realized a 4-beam pyramidal magneto-optical trap ideally suited for future microfabrication. Three mirrors split and steer a single incoming beam into a tripod of reflected beams, allowing trapping in the four-beam overlap volume. We discuss the influence of mirror angle on cooling and trapping, finding optimum efficiency in a tetrahedral configuration. We demonstrate the technique using an ex-vacuo mirror system to illustrate the previously inaccessible supra-plane pyramid MOT configuration. Unlike standard pyramidal MOTs both the pyramid apex and its mirror angle are non-critical and our MOT offers improved molasses free from atomic shadows in the laser beams. The MOT scheme naturally extends to a 2-beam refractive version with high optical access. For quantum gas experiments, the mirror system could also be used for a stable 3D tetrahedral optical lattice.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)13601-13608
Number of pages8
JournalOptics Express
Volume17
Issue number16
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 3 Aug 2009

Keywords

  • neutral atoms
  • modulation
  • gas

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Single-laser, one beam, tetrahedral magneto-optical trap'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this