Abstract

We report the experimental demonstration and characterization of an atomic analogue to the Galilean telescope. This work is a generalization of our previous demonstration of longitudinal 1D-focusing capabilities of pulsed magnetic parabolic potentials [1], Here, 3D-imaging of an initial distribution of cold cesium atoms is realized using a combination of two pulsed magnetic lenses (see Figure). Each of the two lenses is made from an electric coil activated in coincidence with the cloud arrival in such a way that a parabolic potential is applied to the atoms for the time necessary to focus the bundle of trajectories. This temporal imaging scheme preserves the coherence of the atom ensemble and is free of chromatic aberrations. Applications to atom microscopy is foreseen since highly magnified images can be obtained in order to study minute details in the atom distributions. As well, minified images can be obtained for applications such as nanolithography and efficient coupling of an atom sample into a matterwave guide. Furthermore, since it is equivalent to casting the image at infinity, strong velocity compressions (even below the recoil limit) are also available with this versatile and inexpensive device. Finally, realistic experimental schemes to handle a ball of atoms in the m_F=0-state will be discussed.

© 2000 IEEE