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Guiding of cold atoms by a red-detuned laser beam of moderate power

B. T. Wolschrijn·R. A. Cornelussen·R. J. C. Spreeuw·H. B. van Linden van den Heuvell
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Abstract

We report measurements on the guiding of cold $^{87}$Rb atoms from a magneto-optical trap by a continuous light beam over a vertical distance of 6.5 mm. For moderate laser power ($<$85 mW) we are able to capture around 40% of the cold atoms. Although the guide is red-detuned, the optical scattering rate at this detuning ($\approx$70 GHz) is acceptably low. For lower detuning ($<$30 GHz) a larger fraction was guided but radiation pressure starts to push the atoms upward, effectively lowering the acceleration due to gravity. The measured guided fraction agrees well with an analytical model.

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B. T. Wolschrijn, R. A. Cornelussen, R. J. C. Spreeuw, H. B. van Linden van den Heuvell. 2002-10-09. Guiding of cold atoms by a red-detuned laser beam of moderate power. https://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630%2F4%2F1%2F369

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