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Atomic collision dynamics in optical lattices

J. Piilo·K. -A. Suominen·K. Berg-Sorensen
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Abstract

We simulate collisions between two atoms, which move in an optical lattice under the dipole-dipole interaction. The model describes simultaneously the two basic dynamical processes, namely the Sisyphus cooling of single atoms, and the light-induced inelastic collisions between them. We consider the J=1/2 -> J=3/2 laser cooling transition for Cs, Rb and Na. We find that the hotter atoms in a thermal sample are selectively lost or heated by the collisions, which modifies the steady state distribution of atomic velocities, reminiscent of the evaporative cooling process.

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J. Piilo, K. -A. Suominen, K. Berg-Sorensen. 2001-07-20. Atomic collision dynamics in optical lattices. https://doi.org/10.1103/physreva.65.033411

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