Theoretical Issues Involving Traps for Neutral Spin-Polarized Atoms.

摘要

The purpose of this project was to theoretically study and design a laser trap for neutral atoms. At low atomic densities, such a trap could be used to address a number of fundamental questions, e.g., the interaction of an individual atom with an electromagnetic field, collision dynamics, recombination. In particular, after examining a variety of laser-magnet trap concepts, we studied the feasibility and limitations of a 'corner cube' laser trap for potassium atoms based on a near-resonant CW TEM sub 01 ('doughnut mode') alexandrite laser beam with cooling provided by He4 atoms at approx. 1.5 K and designed initial experiments.