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Loading a vapor cell magneto-optic trap using light-induced atom desorption

B. P. Anderson·M. A. Kasevich
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Abstract

Low intensity white light was used to increase the loading rate of $^{87}$Rb atoms into a vapor cell magneto-optic trap by inducing non-thermal desorption of Rb atoms from the stainless steel walls of the vapor cell. An increased Rb partial pressure reached a new equilibrium value in less than 10 seconds after switching on the broadband light source. After the source was turned off, the partial pressure returned to its previous value in $1/e$ times as short as 10 seconds.

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B. P. Anderson, M. A. Kasevich. 2000-07-14. Loading a vapor cell magneto-optic trap using light-induced atom desorption. https://doi.org/10.1103/physreva.63.023404

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