Adjustable Multiple Sub-Doppler Traps in an Asymmetric Magneto-Optical Trap

We have realized adjustable multiple sub-Doppler traps (SDT’s) in a six-beam magneto-optical trap (MOT) under asymmetric trap conditions. In the simplest case, one obtains an array of three SDT’s, one usual trap at the origin and two additional traps symmetrically but oppositely located at equal and controllable distances from the origin, in good agreement with theoretical calculations. The easily adjustable array of SDT’s readily available in the asymmetric MOT may open the possibility of novel atom optics or quantum optics experiments such as atom interferometer or quantum information.

 

https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.75.023409