Direct loading of a large Yb MOT on the 1S0 → 3P1 transition

Autor: Guttridge, A., Hopkins, S. A., Kemp, S. L., Boddy, D., Freytag, R., Jones, M. P. A., Tarbutt, M. R., Hinds, E. A., Cornish, S. L.
Rok vydání: 2016
Předmět:
Zdroj: Journal of physics B : atomic, molecular and optical physics, 2016, Vol.49(14), pp.145006 [Peer Reviewed Journal]
Popis: We report a robust technique for laser frequency stabilisation that enables the reproducible loading of in excess of 109 Yb atoms from a Zeeman slower directly into a magneto-optical trap (MOT) operating on the 1S0 → 3P1 transition, without the need for a first stage MOT on the 1S0 → 1P1 transition. We use a simple atomic beam apparatus to generate narrow fluorescence signals on both the 399 nm 1S0 → 1P1 transition used for the Zeeman slower and the 556 nm 1S0 → 3P1 transition. We present in detail the methods for obtaining spectra with a high signalto-noise ratio and demonstrate error signals suitable for robust frequency stabilisation. Finally we demonstrate the stability and precision of our technique through sensitive measurements of the gravitational sag of the Yb MOT as a function of the intensity of the laser cooling beams, which are in good agreement with theory. These results will be important for efficient loading of the atoms into an optical dipole trap.
Databáze: OpenAIRE