Method for obtaining high phase space density in a surface-mounted atom trap

• Published in: Applied physics. B, Lasers and optics Vol. 79; no. 3; pp. 367 - 370
• Main Authors: SHEVCHENKO, A, JAAKKOLA, A, LINDVALL, T, TITTONEN, I, KAIVOLA, M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin Springer 01-08-2004
• Subjects: Atom and neutron optics; Atom traps; Atomic and molecular physics; Atomic force microscopy; Atomic properties and interactions with photons; Classical and quantum physics: mechanics and fields; Conductors (devices); Exact sciences and technology; Lasers; Matter waves; Optical cooling of atoms; trapping; Permanent magnets; Photon interactions with atoms; Physics; Polarization; Prisms; Space density; Scheme; Light matter interaction; High density; Alkali metals; Atoms; Theoretical study; Phase space density; Evanescent wave; Phase space; Atom trapping
• ISSN: 0946-2171; 1432-0649
• DOI: 10.1007/s00340-004-1556-9

We describe a method for obtaining a high phase space density of alkali atoms in a surface-mounted microscopic atom trap created above a transparent conductor or permanent magnet on a substrate prism. We show that the peak value of the phase space density can locally reach the level of {/content/BKAQ2P8E62G04VKY/xxlarge8764.gif}10 when the microtrap is loaded with atoms from a gravito-optical surface trap. Initial spin polarization of the atoms is not required.