Abstract
We have achieved Bose-Einstein condensation of , the first for an alkaline earth element. The influence of elastic and inelastic collisions associated with the large ground-state -wave scattering length of was measured. From these findings, an optimized loading and cooling scheme was developed that allowed us to condense about atoms after laser cooling in a two-stage magneto-optical trap and subsequent forced evaporation in a crossed dipole trap within less than 3 s. The condensation of an alkaline earth element opens novel opportunities for precision measurements on the narrow intercombination lines as well as investigations of molecular states at the asymptotes.
- Received 10 July 2009
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.103.130401
©2009 American Physical Society
Synopsis
Getting the calcium you need
Published 28 September 2009
A Bose-Einstein condensate of calcium atoms has been created, the first from alkaline earth elements and potentially useful for stable clocks and precision measurements.
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