Abstract

We describe observations of atoms trapped in magnetic molasses made by using a simplified apparatus that is loaded by a continuous uncooled source of atoms. We also measured the cross section for collisions in which trapped sodium atoms are ejected from the trap by thermal sodium atoms and estimate that the cross section is 30 times larger than for collisions with other background thermal atoms.

© 1990 Optical Society of America

Atomic-density-dependent losses in an optical trap

M. Prentiss, A. Cable, J. E. Bjorkholm, Steven Chu, E. L. Raab, and D. E. Pritchard
Opt. Lett. 13(6) 452-454 (1988)

Enhanced loading of a two-color vapor-cell magneto-optical trap for sodium atoms

J. Flemming, L. G. Marcassa, R. J. Horowicz, S. C. Zilio, and V. S. Bagnato
Opt. Lett. 20(24) 2529-2531 (1995)

Decreased damping of ultracold atoms in optical molasses: predictions and a possible solution

N. P. Bigelow and M. Prentiss
Opt. Lett. 15(24) 1479-1481 (1990)

CO₂ laser trap for cesium atoms

T. Takekoshi and R. J. Knize
Opt. Lett. 21(1) 77-79 (1996)

Observation of a single atom in a magneto-optical trap

Z. Hu and H. J. Kimble
Opt. Lett. 19(22) 1888-1890 (1994)