Abstract

In recent years, many clever techniques have been developed for producing samples of laser-cooled atoms, but the magneto-optical trap (MOT) retains an important role in most application.¹ For a study of the isotope dependence in the collision processes, it would be interesting to trap the isotopes simultaneously.^2,3 We have trapped and separated two stable Rb isotopes in the MOT. For simplicity and controlability of the experiment, we have built a compact extended cavity diode laser (ECDL) system with microwave sidebands produced by a cheap YIG [Yittrium Iron Garnet, Y₂Fe₂(Fe₃)₃] tuned oscillator (YTO) instead of a frequency synthesizer.⁴

© 1995 IEEE