Open AccessZeeman slowing and magneto-optically trapping of lithium atoms in atomic interferometry experiments
Author(s) -
Yang Wei,
Sun Da-Li,
Lin Zhou,
Jin Wang,
Meng Zhan
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
wuli xuebao
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.199
H-Index - 47
ISSN - 1000-3290
DOI - 10.7498/aps.63.153701
Subject(s) - atomic physics , doppler cooling , zeeman effect , lithium (medication) , trapping , laser cooling , magneto optical trap , atom interferometer , atom (system on chip) , interferometry , ultracold atom , physics , materials science , atom laser , atomic beam , laser , magnetic field , optics , astronomical interferometer , quantum , medicine , ecology , quantum mechanics , biology , endocrinology , inelastic scattering , computer science , scattering , embedded system , x ray raman scattering
To prepare cold lithium atoms for atomic interferometry experiments, we have carried out experimental researches on Zeeman deceleration and magneto-optical trap (MOT) of lithium atoms. We have also designed and implemented a compact adjustable Zeeman slower with an inner water cooling chamber, to decelerate the velocity of the 7Li atom beam from 600 m/s down to 60 m/s, and load them into the MOT. The loading rate is 5108 /s, the total trapped atom number is 1109 , and the lowest temperature of the atom cloud is 220 30 K. Then we investigate the dependence of lifetime of 7Li atoms in optical molasses on the detuning of trapping laser beams. The above results lay a foundation for further sub-Doppler cooling, optical trap based on evaporative cooling, and atomic interferometry experiments.