Abstract

The strong confinement of atoms in 6D phase space makes the magneto-optic trap (MOT) a promising tool for work with small samples of radioactive isotopes, and recently there has been considerable interest in using them for weak interaction precision measurements in radioactive atoms.^1,2 However, the capture velocity for trapping is typically at most 1/10 of the thermal velocity. Special attention has to be paid to loading the atoms into the MOT efficiently. One way of doing this is to laser-decelerate the incoming atomic beam.² We have chosen the vapor-cell approach.³ During wall collisions the atoms rethermalize and have many chances to cross the trap region. Use of non-stick Dryfilm coatings on the inside of the cell prevents the sticking of alkali atoms to the glass walls.⁴.

© 1995 Optical Society of America