Dynamically configurable and optimizable Zeeman slower using permanent magnets and servomotors

Abstract

We report on the implementation of a dynamically configurable, servomotor- controlled, permanent magnet Zeeman slower for quantum optics experiments with ultracold atoms and molecules. This atom slower allows for switching between magnetic field profiles that are designed for different atomic species. Additionally, through feedback on the atom trapping rate, we demonstrate that computer-controlled genetic optimization algorithms applied to the magnet positions can be used in situ to obtain field profiles that maximize the trapping rate for any given experimental conditions. The device is lightweight, remotely controlled, and consumes no power in steady state; it is a step toward automated control of quantum optics experiments.

10 pages, 5 figures; accepted to JOSA B

References in corpus (3)

• Atomic clocks with suppressed blackbody radiation shift
• Zeeman slowers made simple with permanent magnets in a Halbach configuration
• A Zeeman Slower based on magnetic dipoles

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• High flux strontium atom source
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• Zeeman slowing of a Group III atom
• Permanent magnet based Zeeman slower for lithium atoms