G L Gattobigio et al 2010 Phys. Scr. 81 025301 doi:10.1088/0031-8949/81/02/025301
G L Gattobigio1,2, T Pohl3, G Labeyrie1 and R Kaiser1
Show affiliationsMultiple scattering of light has been the main limitation of the maximum atomic density achievable in magneto-optical traps (MOTs). We present a detailed experimental investigation of the size and density scaling laws for large MOTs with up to N=1010 atoms, larger than those usually studied in detail. Most of our observations can be explained with previous models and only a few regimes show unexplained deviations. We also propose a new repulsion mechanism, based on the rescattered repumper photons that might limit the atomic density of atoms when the optical thickness for repumper light becomes important, adding an additional ingredient in the complexity of large MOTs.
37.10.Vz Mechanical effects of light on atoms, molecules, and ions
Issue 2 (February 2010)
Received 7 May 2009, accepted for publication 11 January 2010
Published 2 February 2010
G L Gattobigio et al 2010 Phys. Scr. 81 025301
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