Magneto-optical trap for cold atom beam source
US8237105B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 3, 2011 |
| Grant date | Aug 7, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 12, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05H3/02
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
One embodiment of the invention includes a magneto-optical trap (MOT) housing substantially surrounding atoms in an atom trapping region. The housing includes a first end that is substantially open to receive light that is substantially collimated and a second end opposite the first end that includes an aperture that emits a cold atom beam from the atom trapping region. The housing also includes a housing section surrounding and extending along a substantially central axis having a substantially reflective interior peripheral surface that reflects the light to generate an optical force on the atoms. The housing further includes an optical mask located substantially at the first end and along the substantially central axis that is configured to occlude the atom trapping region from the light to substantially prevent direct illumination of the atoms by unreflected light.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.