20190724_Specifications_Miniature_Molecular_Optical_Traps.pdf

Specifications for Miniature Molecular Optical Traps (mini‐MOTs)

The miniMOT is an integrated vacuum system with optical access for trapping and cooling atoms. The system includes an integrated rubidium source, active and passive pumps to maintain vacuum in the chamber, and electronics needed for driving the pumps, rubidium source, and for driving a pair of magnetic coils.

The MOT coil assembly consist of a coil pair in an anti‐Helmholtz configuration mounted in a bracket.

These coils provide the necessary field gradient for producing a MOT.

A fixed experiments laboratory involves the laser cooling and eventual trapping of alkali metal vapor‐‐in our case Rubidium (Rb). Several essential, and highly complex, components of this experiment; the vacuum chamber, Rb vapor cell and source, as well as the anti‐Helmholtz coils form an apparatus used to create an environment where the Rb atoms are trapped forming what is known as a MOT. Due to the limited space available for the number of lab groups and the time‐on‐task required to create this complex apparatus a compact, miniaturized, and “turnkey” system is preferred as it allows the execution of the lab in the smallest footprint and within the 30 supervised lessons. The table below summarizes some of the main specifications for the system.

Miniature MOT Apparatus E Specifications

Weight 2kg (4.5lbs)

Geometry (length, width, height) 13 x 11.5 x 23 cm

Vapor Cell Height 9 cm

Vacuum Quality (no alkali load) <10 n Torr

Magnetic Field at cell center <0.5 Gauss

Clear Aperature of Cell 60 x 18 mm on side, 15mm on end

AlKali Metal Source Rubidium (Rb)