A laser cooling apparatus that generates a cold beam of rubidium and cesium atoms at low pressure has been constructed as one of several intermediate products of a continuing program of research on laser cooling and atomic physics. Laser-cooled atomic beams, which can have temperatures as low as a microkelvin, have been used in diverse applications that include measurements of fundamental constants, atomic clocks that realize the international standard unit of time, atom-wave interferometers, and experiments on Bose-Einstein condensation. The present apparatus is a prototype of one being evaluated for use in a proposed microgravitational experiment called the Quantum Interferometric Test of Equivalence (QuITE). In this experiment, interferometric measurements of cesium and rubidium atoms in free fall would be part of a test of Einstein's equivalence principle. The present apparatus and its anticipated successors may also be useful in other experiments, in both microgravity and normal Earth gravity, in which there are requirements for dual-species atomic beams, low temperatures, and low pressures.
The pyramidal magneto -optical trap is designed so that the laser cooling forces in one direction are unbalanced, resulting in a continuous cold beam of atoms that leak out of the trap (see figure). The radiant intensity (number of atoms per unit time per unit solid angle) of the apparatus is the greatest of any other source of the same type reported to date. In addition, this is the first such apparatus capable of producing a slow, collimated beam that contains two atomic species at the same time.
This work was done by Robert Thompson, William Klipstein, James Kohel, Lute Maleki, Nathan Lundblad, Jaime Ramirez-Serrano, Dave Aveline , Nan Yu, and Daphna Enzer of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Physical Sciences category. NPO-30396
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Laboratory Apparatus Generates Dual-Species Cold Atomic Beam
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Overview
The document is a Technical Support Package from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) detailing the development of a laboratory apparatus designed to generate a dual-species cold atomic beam. This innovation is part of NASA's efforts to advance fundamental physics research, particularly utilizing laser-cooled atoms in microgravity environments. The work is documented under NASA Tech Briefs, specifically referenced as NPO-30396.
The primary authors of the study include R.J. Thompson, D.J. Seidel, W.M. Klipstein, J. Kohel, and L. Maleki, with R.J. Thompson serving as the corresponding author. The document emphasizes the significance of cold atomic beams in various scientific applications, including precision measurements and quantum mechanics studies. The ability to manipulate and study atoms at extremely low temperatures allows researchers to explore fundamental physical phenomena that are otherwise difficult to observe.
The Technical Support Package is part of NASA's Commercial Technology Program, which aims to disseminate aerospace-related developments that have broader technological, scientific, or commercial implications. The document serves as a resource for those interested in the advancements made in atomic physics and the potential applications of cold atomic beams in various fields, including space exploration and technology development.
Additionally, the document provides contact information for further assistance, including the NASA STI Help Desk, which can be reached via telephone, fax, or email. It also includes a disclaimer stating that the U.S. Government and its representatives do not assume liability for the use of the information contained within the document, nor do they guarantee that such use will be free from privately owned rights.
Overall, this Technical Support Package highlights the innovative research being conducted at JPL and underscores the importance of cold atomic beam technology in advancing our understanding of fundamental physics, with potential applications that extend beyond aerospace into various scientific and commercial domains. The document serves as a valuable resource for researchers and industry professionals interested in the latest developments in this area.
