Abstract

The laser cooling of ytterbium (Yb) atoms needs a 399-nm laser which operates on the strong 1S0 -1P1 transition and can be locked at the desired frequencies for different Yb isotopes. We demonstrate a frequency locking method using the fluorescence spectrum of an Yb atomic beam as a frequency reference. For unresolved fluorescence peaks, we make the spectrum of the even isotopes vanish by using the strong angular-dependence of the fluorescence radiations; the remained closely-spaced peaks are thus clearly resolved and able to serve as accurate frequency references. A computer-controlled servo system is used to lock the laser frequency to a single fluorescence peak of interest, and a frequency stability of 304 kHz is achieved. This frequency-locked laser enables us to realize stable blue magneto-optic-traps (MOT) for all abundant Yb isotopes.

© 2014 Chinese Optics Letters

Efficient frequency doubling at 399  nm

Marco Pizzocaro, Davide Calonico, Pablo Cancio Pastor, Jacopo Catani, Giovanni A. Costanzo, Filippo Levi, and Luca Lorini
Appl. Opt. 53(16) 3388-3392 (2014)

Sub-Doppler cooling of ytterbium with the ¹S₀–¹P₁ transition including ¹⁷¹Yb (I=1/2)

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