A robust and modular cesium magneto-optical trap using diverging laser beams

• URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/2607.13145v1
• Date: Tue, 14 Jul 2026 18:00:05 GMT
• Title: A robust and modular cesium magneto-optical trap using diverging laser beams
• Abstract summary: Magneto-optical traps (MOTs) are workhorse technology for neutral-atom quantum sensing, simulation, and computing.<n>Here, we demonstrate a MOT optimized for inertial quantum sensing and precision metrology applications.<n>Our MOT traps $4times108$ cesium (Cs) atoms in a robust, modular system that achieves stable operation through two design features.
• Score: 0.0
• License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
• Abstract: Magneto-optical traps (MOTs) are a workhorse technology for neutral-atom quantum sensing, simulation, and computing. Here, we demonstrate a MOT optimized for inertial quantum sensing and precision metrology applications. Our MOT traps $4\times10^8$ cesium (Cs) atoms in a robust, modular system that achieves stable operation through two design features: (1) we use diverging cooling laser beams to reduce unwanted reflections and (2) optical elements are mounted in a fiber-coupled, compact, and modular cage rigidly attached to the vacuum chamber. Following polarization-gradient cooling (PGC), the system produces atom samples with temperatures below 10 $μ$K, similar to those achieved in conventional MOTs that use collimated laser beams. In addition, we observe trapping of $2\times10^7$ Cs atoms in a non-conventional MOT geometry, where the cooling laser beams are diagonal to the principal axis of the quadrupole magnetic field.

Related papers

• Super-molasses returns: All optical near-resonance laser cooling and trapping of neutral atoms from background vapor [0.2087249115442504]
  We describe an alternative laser trap involving a simple geometry of collimated laser beams.<n>This technique produces similar atom number and density ($1010$,atoms/cm$3$) to the Magneto-Optical Trap.<n>We demonstrate the validity and robustness of the trap by capturing $87$Rb atoms directly from the background vapor.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2026-07-06T11:53:15Z)
• Mapping photon-number regimes in single-emitter lasers [41.99844472131922]
  We present a numerical analysis of an open quantum system consisting of an incoherently pumped three-level emitter strongly coupled to a single cavity mode.<n>We find that laser behavior can emerge from minimal photon populations.<n>Our findings can be applied to define the operational limits of single-emitter light sources.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2026-06-30T07:10:49Z)
• Simulated Laser Cooling and Magneto-Optical Trapping of Group IV Atoms [4.258541060303443]
  We present a scheme for laser cooling and magneto-optical trapping of the Group IV atoms silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), tin (Sn) and lead (Pb)<n>We focus on the application of this scheme to Sn, which has several features that make it attractive for precision measurement applications.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2025-09-04T19:52:06Z)
• In-situ-tunable spin-spin interactions in a Penning trap with in-bore optomechanics [41.94295877935867]
  We present an optomechanical system for in-situ tuning of the coherent spin-motion and spin-spin interaction strength. We characterize the system using measurements of the induced mean-field spin precession. These experiments show approximately a $times2$ variation in the ratio of the coherent to incoherent interaction strength.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2024-01-31T11:00:39Z)
• Grating magneto-optical traps with complicated level structures [0.0]
  We study the forces and optical pumping within grating magneto-optical traps (MOTs) operating on transitions with non-trivial level structure. Our results will aid the development of portable atom and molecule traps for time keeping, inertial navigation, and precision measurement.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2023-05-12T19:07:07Z)
• Comprehensive characterization of an apparatus for cold electromagnetic dysprosium dipoles [0.0]
  We report on the development of an advanced ultracold dysprosium apparatus, which incorporates a cold atom microscope (CAM) with a design resolution of a quarter micrometer. We demonstrate the essential experimental steps of laser and evaporative cooling, lattice loading, transporting and precise positioning of a cloud of bosonic isotope $164$Dy at the CAM focal plane. We also present a feasible platform for simulating complex spin models of quantum magnetism, such as the $XYZ$ model, by exploiting a set of closely spaced opposite parity levels in Dy.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2023-04-25T14:17:19Z)
• Phononically shielded photonic-crystal mirror membranes for cavity quantum optomechanics [48.7576911714538]
  We present a highly reflective, sub-wavelength-thick membrane resonator featuring high mechanical quality factor. We construct a Fabry-Perot-type optical cavity, with the membrane forming one terminating mirror. We demonstrate optomechanical sideband cooling to mK-mode temperatures, starting from room temperature.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2022-12-23T04:53:04Z)
• Quantum-limited millimeter wave to optical transduction [50.663540427505616]
  Long distance transmission of quantum information is a central ingredient of distributed quantum information processors. Current approaches to transduction employ solid state links between electrical and optical domains. We demonstrate quantum-limited transduction of millimeter-wave (mmwave) photons into optical photons using cold $85$Rb atoms as the transducer.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2022-07-20T18:04:26Z)
• Quantum density matrix theory for a laser without adiabatic elimination of the population inversion: transition to lasing in the class-B limit [62.997667081978825]
  No class-B quantum density-matrix model is available to date, capable of accurately describing coherence and photon correlations within a unified theory. Here we carry out a density-matrix theoretical approach for generic class-B lasers, and provide closed equations for the photonic and atomic reduced density matrix in the Fock basis of photons. This model enables the study of few-photon bifurcations and non-classical photon correlations in class-B laser devices, also leveraging quantum descriptions of coherently coupled nanolaser arrays.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2022-05-26T16:33:51Z)
• $\Lambda$-enhanced gray molasses in a tetrahedral laser beam geometry [0.0]
  We report observation of sub-Doppler cooling of lithium using an irregular-tetrahedral laser beam arrangement. We capture 11(2) % of the lithium atoms from a grating magneto-optical trap into gray molasses. Our results show that grating magneto-optical traps can serve as a robust source of cold atoms for tweezer-array and atom-chip experiments.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2021-10-06T20:52:45Z)
• Solid-state laser refrigeration of nanodiamond quantum sensors [43.55994393060723]
  Solid-state laser refrigeration can be used to enable rapid optical temperature control of nitrogen vacancy doped nanodiamond quantum sensors. Heat transfer to the ceramic microcrystals cooled the adjacent NV$-$:NDs by 10 and 27 K at atmospheric pressure and $sim$10$-3$ Torr.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2020-07-30T05:57:01Z)

This list is automatically generated from the titles and abstracts of the papers in this site.

This site does not guarantee the quality of this site (including all information) and is not responsible for any consequences.