ISSN:
1434-6079
Keywords:
PACS. 32.80.Pj Optical cooling of atoms; trapping – 42.25.Bs Wave propagation, transmission and absorption
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Physics
Notes:
Abstract: We demonstrate the in situ detection of cold 87Rb atoms near a dielectric surface using the absorption of a weak, resonant evanescent wave. We have used this technique in time of flight experiments determining the density of atoms falling on the surface. A quantitative understanding of the measured curve was obtained using a detailed calculation of the evanescent intensity distribution. We have also used it to detect atoms trapped near the surface in a standing-wave optical dipole potential. This trap was loaded by inelastic bouncing on a strong, repulsive evanescent potential. We estimate that we trap 1.5×104 atoms at a density 100 times higher than the falling atoms.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1140/epjd/e2002-00205-1
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