Atom Trapping Experiments
Physics Department
Bates College



Cesium-Rubidium Dual-Species MOT: Observation of Interspecies Trap Loss Collisions
Amy C. Sullivan, Priscilla F. Henry, George A. Ruff
(Poster, APS DAMOP 2000, Storrs, CT, June, 2000)

We observe a strong interaction between the overlapping atom clouds in a dual-species magneto- optical trapping apparatus. Our experiments utilize diode lasers for both Rb and Cs, creating the traps in a compact octagonal vapor cell. The number of trapped Cs atoms and the Cs trap filltime increase by as much as a factor of three when the Rb trap is turned off. We present the results of experiments, for both rubidium isotopes, that investigate interspecies collisional loss rates at various trap laser detunings.

Practical Cavity Designs for Tunable Diode Lasers Used in Atom Trapping Experiments
Emilie T. Soisson, George A. Ruff
(Poster, APS DAMOP 2000, Storrs, CT, June 2000)

Several designs exist for external cavity tunable diode lasers that are used in atom trapping experiments. Our aim was to combine the best aspects of previous designs but make improvements that would enable students to align and adjust the lasers more conveniently. Our lasers have been utilized in dual-species MOT experiments involving Rubidium and Cesium. We present construction details for several configurations, and show data evaluating their relative performance.

Dual Species Rb-Cs Magneto-Optical Trap
Priscilla F. Henry, Amy C. Sullivan, George A. Ruff
(Poster, APS Centennial Meeting, Atlanta, GA, March 1999)

We are studying the temporal behavior of a trapping apparatus allowing simultaneous cooling and trapping of Cs and Rb in a compact octagonal vapor cell. The background vapor pressures of each species are independently controllable, as are the intensities and frequencies of the respective trapping and repump lasers. Trap sizes and positions are determined by a pair of CCD cameras which view the trap from orthogonal directions. Separate photomultiplier tubes monitor fluorescence from the two species, permitting measurement of the fill time of each trap in the presence or absence of the other. The apparatus is easily modified for simultaneous trapping of the two Rb isotopes.

Simultaneous Trapping of Rb and Cs in a Vapor-Cell MOT
Amy C. Sullivan, George A. Ruff
(Poster, American Physical Society New England Section, Durham, NH, October 1998)

We have developed a magneto-optical trapping apparatus which permits simultaneous cooling and trapping of cesium and rubidium in a compact octagonal vapor cell. The background vapor pressures of each atomic species are independently controllable, as are the intensities and frequencies of the respective trapping and repump lasers. Trap sizes and positions are determined by a pair of CCD cameras which view the trap from orthogonal directions, and loading times for each species are determined by PMT observations of trap fluorescence.