Article

Abstract

• Alkaline-earth-metal atoms present an ideal platform for exploring magneto-optic trap (MOT) dynamics, enabling unique and definitive tests of laser cooling and trapping mechanisms. We have measured the trapping beam intensity, detuning, magnetic-field gradient, trap density, and lifetime dependence of the spring constant κ and damping coefficient α for a ¹S₀−¹P₁ ⁸⁸Sr MOT by fitting the oscillatory response of the atom cloud to a step-function force. We find that the observed behavior of κ and α provide a unified and consistent picture of trap dynamics that agrees with Doppler cooling theory at the level of 10%.Additionally, we demonstrate that the trapped atom temperature can be determined directly from measured value of κ and the trap size, in excellent agreement with free-expansion temperature measurements. However, the experimentally determined temperature is much higher than Doppler cooling theory, implying significant additional heating mechanisms.

Creator

• Gallagher, Alan
• Loftus, Thomas H.
• Xu, Xinye
• Ye, Jun
• Smith, Matthew J.
• Hall, John L.

Date Issued

• 2002-07-15

Academic Affiliation

• Physics

Journal Title

• Physical Review A

Journal Issue/Number

• 1

Journal Volume

• 66

File Extent

• 011401(R)-1-011401(R)-4

Last Modified

• 2020-01-14

Resource Type

• Article

Rights Statement

• In Copyright

DOI

• 10.1103/PhysRevA.66.011401

ISSN

• 1050-2947

Language

• English [eng]

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