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Experiments with Supersonic Beams as a Source of Cold Atoms

Experiments with Supersonic Beams as a Source of Cold Atoms

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Chapter 5<br />

Towards Trapping and Cooling <strong>of</strong> Atomic<br />

Hydrogen Isotopes<br />

Having verified that the coilgun functions <strong>as</strong> a general method <strong>of</strong> producing<br />

slow and cold samples, the next step is to use the samples it produces to make a phys-<br />

ical me<strong>as</strong>urement. For many me<strong>as</strong>urements, such <strong>as</strong> precision spectroscopy, a long<br />

interrogation time is highly desirable. Even <strong>with</strong> a slow beam, the observation time is<br />

limited because the atoms are not confined to the interrogation region. However, by<br />

integrating a trap <strong>with</strong> the end <strong>of</strong> the coilgun, the atoms can be observed for several<br />

seconds at a time (depending on the lifetime <strong>of</strong> the trap).<br />

This chapter describes the ongoing experiment to trap, cool, and study atomic<br />

hydrogen isotopes. The coilgun is modified to a hydrogen specific device and these<br />

modifications, along <strong>with</strong> the re<strong>as</strong>ons behind them, are described. Hydrogen plays<br />

a particularly important role in physics and the rational behind the desire use the<br />

coilgun to study hydrogen is explained. An anti-Helmholtz magnetic trap is added<br />

to the end <strong>of</strong> the coilgun to trap the slowed atoms, and this trap and its switching<br />

electronics are detailed. The entire device is characterized and is believed to be<br />

working properly. While the experiment h<strong>as</strong> not yet succeeded in detecting trapped<br />

hydrogen, for re<strong>as</strong>ons which are explained, detailed simulations have been performed.<br />

These simulations suggest that the hydrogen coilgun and trap will operate <strong>with</strong> high<br />

efficiency, trapping a significant quantity <strong>of</strong> the atomic hydrogen entering the coilgun.<br />

The apparatus described in this chapter is also described in [81]. Finally, the future<br />

goals <strong>of</strong> the experiment, including a proposed method for cooling the trapped atoms<br />

116

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