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Experimental study of nonlinear focusing in a magneto-optical trap using a Z-scan technique

Yingxue Wang·M. Saffman
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Abstract

We present an experimental study of Z-scan measurements of the nonlinear response of cold Cs atoms in a magneto-optical trap. Numerical simulations of the Z-scan signal accounting for the nonuniform atomic density agree with experimental results at large probe beam detunings. At small probe detunings a spatially varying radiation force modifies the Z-scan signal. We also show that the measured scan is sensitive to the atomic polarization distribution.

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Yingxue Wang, M. Saffman. 2004-02-29. Experimental study of nonlinear focusing in a magneto-optical trap using a Z-scan technique. https://doi.org/10.1103/physreva.70.013801

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