Efficient water-cooled Bitter-type electromagnet for Zeeman slowing in cold-atom experiments.

Area of Science:

• Atomic, Molecular & Optical Physics
• Experimental Physics
• Electromagnetics

Background:

• Zeeman slowing is crucial for preparing cold atoms in experiments.
• Traditional electromagnets can be bulky and slow to switch.
• Optimizing magnetic field profiles is key for efficient atom manipulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and construct a compact Bitter-type electromagnet for Zeeman slowing.
• To achieve a spatially-dependent magnetic field with a near-optimal profile.
• To ensure efficient thermal management for high current operation.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a Bitter-type coil using stacked copper arcs and PTFE spacers.
• Characterization of electrical resistance, self-inductance, and switching time.
• Implementation of a helical water cooling system for thermal management.

Main Results:

• The electromagnet produces a spatially-dependent magnetic field suitable for Zeeman slowing.
• Electrical resistance: 26.5(3) mΩ; Self-inductance: 19.1(1) μH.
• Fast electrical switching time (τ ≈ 100 μs) achieved in a 30-cm package.
• Efficient cooling limited temperature rise to ~5° C during continuous 200 A operation.

Conclusions:

• The developed Bitter-type electromagnet is a compact and efficient solution for Zeeman slowing.
• The design facilitates fast magnetic field switching and effective thermal control.
• This electromagnet advances capabilities for cold-atom experiments and related research.