Direct loading of a large Yb MOT on the ${}^1{S}_0\to {}^3{P}_1$ transition

Abstract

We report a robust technique for laser frequency stabilisation that enables the reproducible loading of in excess of 10${}^9$ Yb atoms from a Zeeman slower directly into a magneto-optical trap (MOT) operating on the ${}^1{S}_0\to {}^3{P}_1$ transition, without the need for a first stage MOT on the ${}^1{S}_0\to {}^1{P}_1$ transition. We use a simple atomic beam apparatus to generate narrow fluorescence signals on both the 399 nm ${}^1{S}_0\to {}^1{P}_1$ transition used for the Zeeman slower and the 556 nm ${}^1{S}_0\to {}^3{P}_1$ transition. We present in detail the methods for obtaining spectra with a high signal-to-noise ratio and demonstrate error signals suitable for robust frequency stabilisation. Finally we demonstrate the stability and precision of our technique through sensitive measurements of the gravitational sag of the Yb MOT as a function of the intensity of the laser cooling beams, which are in good agreement with theory. These results will be important for efficient loading of the atoms into an optical dipole trap.

arXiv comment15 pages, 9 figures

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Cited by in corpus (9)

• Two-photon photoassociation spectroscopy of CsYb: ground-state interaction potential and interspecies scattering lengths
• Production of ultracold Cs*Yb molecules by photoassociation
• Measurement of the Yb I ${}^1{S}_0{-}^1{P}_1$ transition frequency at 399 nm using an optical frequency comb
• Interspecies thermalization in an ultracold mixture of Cs and Yb in an optical trap
• A robust, high-flux source of laser-cooled ytterbium atoms
• Dynamics of a degenerate Cs-Yb mixture with attractive interspecies interactions
• Ramsey-Borde atom interferometry with a thermal strontium beam for a compact optical clock
• Stimulated Slowing of Yb Atoms on the Narrow ${}^1{S}_0{\to }^3{P}_1$ Transition
• Quantum Degenerate Mixtures of Cs and Yb