Abstract
For an efficient performance of atom-trap trace analysis, it is important to collimate the particles emitted from an effusive source. Their high velocity limits the interaction time with the cooling laser. Therefore, forces beyond the limits of the scattering force are desirable. The bichromatic force is a promising candidate for this purpose which is demonstrated here on metastable argon-40. The precollimated atoms are deflected in one dimension and the acquired Doppler shift is detected by absorption spectroscopy. With the experimentally accessible parameters, it was possible to measure a force three times stronger than the scattering force. Systematic studies on its dependence on Rabi frequency, phase difference, and detuning to atomic resonance are compared to the solution of the optical Bloch equations. We anticipate predictions for a possible application in atom-trap trace analysis of argon-39 and other noble gas experiments, where a high flux of metastable atoms is needed.
Zhongyi Feng
PhD Student
Lisa Ringena
PostDoc
