Definitive number of atoms on demand: controlling the number of atoms in a-few-atom magneto-optical trap
S. Yoon, Y. Choi, S. Park, J. Kim, J. Lee, K. An
Appl. Phys. Lett. 88 211104 (2006)
Abstract
A few math atoms were trapped in a micron-size magneto-optical trap with a high quadrupole magnetic-field gradient and the number of atoms was precisely controlled by suppressing stochastic loading and loss events via real-time feedback on the magnetic-field gradient. The measured occupation probability of a single atom was as high as 99%. Atoms up to five were also trapped with high occupation probabilities. The present technique could be used to make a deterministic atom source.