Abstract:
We present a simple and efficient source of slow atoms. From a background vapour loaded magneto-optical trap (MOT), a thin laser beam extracts a continuous jet of cold rubidium atoms. The jet that is typical to leaking MOT systems is created without any optical parts placed inside the vacuum chamber. We also present a simple three dimensional numerical simulation of the atomic motion in the presence of these multiple saturating laser fields combined with the inhomogeneous magnetic field of the MOT. At a pressure of P Rb87 = 10-8 mbar and with a moderate laser power of 10 mW per beam, we generate a flux Φ = 1.3×108 atoms/s with a mean velocity of 14 m/s and a divergence of 10 mrad.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received 13 January 2001
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Wohlleben, W., Chevy, F., Madison, K. et al. An atom faucet. Eur. Phys. J. D 15, 237–244 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s100530170171
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s100530170171