Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: We present a low Size, Weight and Power (SWaP), low-complexity, ytterbium magneto-optical trap (MOT). We demonstrate trapping of $1.4 \times 10^6$ $^{171}$Yb atoms on the $|{^1S_0}, F = 1/2\rangle \leftrightarrow |{^1P_1}, F' = 3/2\rangle$ transition directly from a hot thermal beam. We explore the effect of trap detuning and oven temperature on trap number, density, loading rate and sample temperature. The low SWaP and low-complexity design presents a realistic pathway towards portable ytterbium MOTs, allowing cold atom ytterbium systems to escape the confines of the laboratory and perform precision measurements in field environments.
Source: Physical Review Applied
DOI: 10.1103/7ghk-fwfq
Institutions: Adelaide University, The University of Adelaide
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7203953704