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PUBLICATIONS

Magneto-optic trap using a reversible, solid-state alkali-metal source

Published

Author(s)

Songbai Kang, Kaitlin R. Moore, James P. McGilligan, R. Mott, A. Mis, C. Roper, Elizabeth A. Donley, John E. Kitching

Abstract

Fast, reversible, and low-power alkali-atom sources are desirable in both tabletop and portable cold-atom sensors. Here we demonstrate a magneto-optic trap (MOT) formed in conjunction with a reversible solid state Rb reservoir in a vapor cell. The results demonstrate experimental control of the number of atoms in the MOT via the voltage applied across the reservoir using ~ 10 mW of peak electrical power. Further investigation of the MOT loading shows that the Rb vapor pressure in the cell can be increased by 50 times, with a corresponding increase in the number of trapped atoms. The core technology of this device should translate readily to other alkali and alkaline-earth elements that may find a wide range of uses in cold-atom systems and instruments.
Citation
Nature Physics
Pub Type
Journals

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Keywords

alkali source, cold-atom microsystem, MOT number
Physics

Citation

Kang, S. , Moore, K. , McGilligan, J. , Mott, R. , Mis, A. , Roper, C. , Donley, E. and Kitching, J. (2019), Magneto-optic trap using a reversible, solid-state alkali-metal source, Nature Physics, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=926505 (Accessed October 10, 2025)

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Created June 6, 2019, Updated October 1, 2019
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