Versatile transporter apparatus for experiments with optically trapped Bose-Einstein condensates

TL;DR

This paper introduces a versatile apparatus for producing and manipulating Bose-Einstein condensates of Rb-87 atoms using a moving-coil transporter with a TOP trap, enabling efficient loading, stable condensate production, and experiments like the superfluid-to-Mott insulator transition.

Contribution

It presents a novel, simple, and versatile scheme combining magnetic and optical trapping with a movable coil system for Bose-Einstein condensates.

Findings

Stable production of condensates with up to one million atoms.

Efficient loading into optical traps using the apparatus.

Demonstration of the superfluid-to-Mott insulator transition.

Abstract

We describe a versatile and simple scheme for producing magnetically and optically-trapped Rb-87 Bose-Einstein condensates, based on a moving-coil transporter apparatus. The apparatus features a TOP trap that incorporates the movable quadrupole coils used for magneto-optical trapping and long-distance magnetic transport of atomic clouds. As a stand-alone device, this trap allows for the stable production of condensates containing up to one million atoms. In combination with an optical dipole trap, the TOP trap acts as a funnel for efficient loading, after which the quadrupole coils can be retracted, thereby maximizing optical access. The robustness of this scheme is illustrated by realizing the superfluid-to-Mott insulator transition in a three-dimensional optical lattice.