Observation of Cumulative Spatial Focusing of Atoms

Windell H. Oskay, Daniel A. Steck, and Mark G. Raizen
Phys. Rev. Lett. 89, 283001 – Published 26 December 2002

Abstract

We report an experimental study of the spatial distribution of ultracold cesium atoms exposed to a series of kicks from a standing wave of light. We observe cumulative focusing, leading to a spatial array of atoms which is of interest for atomic lithography. To observe the spatial distribution, we developed a free-space measurement technique that enables the reconstruction of the atomic motion as a function of time. We find increased focusing of atoms after as many as ten kicks, and the results are in good agreement with theoretical predictions.

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  • Received 8 July 2002

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.89.283001

©2002 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Windell H. Oskay*, Daniel A. Steck, and Mark G. Raizen

  • Center for Nonlinear Dynamics and Department of Physics, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712-1081

  • *Present address: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Time and Frequency Division, MS 847, 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305.
  • Present address: Los Alamos National Laboratory, Theoretical Division (T-8), MS B285, Los Alamos, NM 87545.
  • Electronic address: raizen@physics.utexas.edu

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Issue

Vol. 89, Iss. 28 — 31 December 2002

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