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arXiv · 2503.24383

Two-color magneto-optical trapping of ytterbium atoms

Xiao Li·Yufei Wang·Ligeng Yu·Bo Song
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Abstract

We report laser cooling and trapping of ytterbium atoms in a two-color magneto-optical trap (MOT). Benefited from both the broad singlet transition ($^1\text{S}_0\rightarrow {}^1\text{P}_1$) and the narrow intercombination transition ($^1\text{S}_0\rightarrow {}^3\text{P}_1$) of ytterbium atoms, the two-color MOT enables rapid loading and efficient cooling. We systematically investigate the shielding effect of the intercombination transition by examining the atom loading and loss rates of single-color and two-color MOTs. Our findings are general and can be extended to other alkaline earth(-like) atoms.

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Xiao Li, Yufei Wang, Ligeng Yu, Bo Song. 2025-03-31. Two-color magneto-optical trapping of ytterbium atoms. https://doi.org/10.1103/541j-2sj9

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