An adaptable dual species effusive source and Zeeman slower design demonstrated with Rb and Li

Area of Science:

• Atomic Physics
• Quantum Optics
• Experimental Physics

Background:

• Producing slow atomic beams is crucial for experiments in atomic physics and quantum optics.
• Simultaneously trapping atoms of different species with varying temperature requirements presents a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and demonstrate a dual-species effusive source and Zeeman slower capable of producing slow atomic beams of elements with large mass differences and distinct oven temperature needs.
• To achieve efficient magneto-optical trap (MOT) loading rates for lithium-6 (Li) and rubidium-85 (Rb).

Main Methods:

• A novel dual-species effusive source and Zeeman slower design featuring thermally separated sources and a segmented coil for computer-controlled magnetic field profiling.
• Integration of the final slowing stage with the MOT's quadrupole magnetic field to enable a more compact apparatus.
• Analysis of effusive source construction and emission properties.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated the apparatus for (6)Li and (85)Rb, achieving MOT loading rates comparable to previous dual-species Zeeman slowers.
• Observed sequential loading rates of 1.2 × 10^9 atoms/s for Rb at 140°C and 1.1 × 10^8 atoms/s for Li at 460°C.
• Calculated continuous operation reservoir lifetimes of 10 years for Rb and 4 years for Li.

Conclusions:

• The developed dual-species Zeeman slower is effective for producing slow atomic beams of elements with significant mass and temperature differences.
• The design's modularity allows for easy adaptation to other atomic species.
• The compact system, utilizing the MOT's magnetic field for final slowing, maintains high performance.