Light-induced atomic desorption of lithium.

Area of Science:

• Atomic physics
• Laser cooling and trapping
• Surface science

Background:

• Magneto-optical traps (MOTs) are crucial for laser cooling and trapping atoms.
• Traditional MOT loading relies on atomic beams or vapor cells, limiting miniaturization.
• Lithium (Li) atoms are essential for various applications, including quantum simulation and precision measurements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate and characterize light-induced atomic desorption (LIAD) as a novel method for loading lithium MOTs.
• To investigate the efficiency and parameters of Li desorption from a solid surface.
• To assess the feasibility of LIAD for creating compact atomic devices.

Main Methods:

• Loading a magneto-optical trap (MOT) with 7Li atoms using laser-induced desorption from a solid surface.
• Studying the Li desorption rate by varying the wavelength and power of the desorption laser.
• Analyzing trap loading and decay curves to differentiate contributions from Li and background gas desorption.
• Measuring the impact of desorbed background molecules on vacuum pressure.

Main Results:

• Successfully loaded a Li MOT with up to 4 × 10^4 atoms at rates of 4 × 10^3 atoms/s.
• Determined a desorption wavelength threshold of approximately 470 nm for Li from fused silica.
• Observed light-induced desorption of background gases, with a temporary vacuum pressure increase of less than 50%.
• Disentangled trap decay rates attributed to background gases and desorbed lithium.

Conclusions:

• Light-induced atomic desorption is a demonstrated and effective technique for loading lithium MOTs.
• LIAD offers a promising pathway for developing compact and portable atomic devices and sensors.
• The method shows potential for efficient atom supply in microfabricated traps.