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arXiv · 1310.7733

Cold beam of isotopically pure Yb atoms by deflection using 1D-optical molasses

K. D. Rathod·Pushpander Singh·Vasant Natarajan
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Abstract

We demonstrate generation of an isotopically pure beam of laser-cooled Yb atoms by deflection using 1D-optical molasses. Atoms in a collimated thermal beam are first slowed using a Zeeman Slower. They are then subjected to a pair of molasses beams inclined at $45^\circ$ with respect to the slowed atomic beam. The slowed atoms are deflected and probed at a distance of 160 mm. We demonstrate selective deflection of the bosonic isotope $^{174}$Yb, and the fermionic isotope $^{171}$Yb. Using a transient measurement after the molasses beams are turned on, we find a longitudinal temperature of 41 mK.

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K. D. Rathod, Pushpander Singh, Vasant Natarajan. 2013-10-29. Cold beam of isotopically pure Yb atoms by deflection using 1D-optical molasses. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12043-014-0799-1

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