Abstract
The mechanical effects of light on atoms is a field of active interest, both theoretically and practically. The interaction between three-level atoms and two standing wave optical fields enables the manufacture of three optical potentials. For atomic transitions having similar frequencies, a 1/2 phase shift between the standing waves and the correct ratio of Rabi frequencies to detunings, the lowest potential has a periodic near-quadratic position dependence, while the middle one has a periodic triangular form. We find that the lower potential is almost ideal for focusing of an atomic beam to a very small region, while the triangular potential can be used for very efficient beam splitting. Similar shaped potentials are also found in magneto-optic systems, but it can be disadvantageous in some circumstances to have magnetic fields present.
© 1996 Optical Society of America
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