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Optica Publishing Group
  • Quantum Electronics and Laser Science Conference
  • OSA Technical Digest (Optica Publishing Group, 1991),
  • paper QWA3

Localization of atoms in light standing wave on microscopic (~λ) and macroscopic (⪢) spatial scales

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Abstract

We have investigated the localization of atoms in two configurations of laser fields: monochromatic and bichromatic standing waves. A quasi resonant monochromatic laser field creates a spatially periodic potential field with period equal to half of the wavelength. If the atomic kinetic energy is less than the height of the potential wells then atoms could be trapped in the wells. The motion of atoms in a standing wave is governed by the gradient force, friction force, and momentum diffusion. We studied one dimensional localization of sodium atoms in such a standing wave, as well as the influence of friction and diffusion on the motion of these atoms. The effect of accumulation of atoms at the bottom of potential wells (nodes of a standing wave) was observed. This leads to a new scheme of laser cooling of atoms with a minimum temperature below the Doppler limit.

© 1991 Optical Society of America

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