Quasicontinuous horizontally guided atom laser: coupling spectrum and flux limits

TL;DR

This paper investigates the flux characteristics and operational limits of a horizontally guided atom laser, using a quasi-1D model to align with experimental data, aiming to optimize quantum transport studies.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of the flux spectrum and limits of a guided atom laser, enhancing understanding of its operational regime and potential for quantum transport research.

Findings

Flux spectrum depends on rf frequency

Operational flux limits are identified

Model predictions agree with experiments

Abstract

We study in detail the flux properties of a radiofrequency outcoupled horizontally guided atom laser, following the scheme demonstrated in [Guerin W et al. 2006 Phys. Rev. Lett. 97 200402]. Both the outcoupling spectrum (flux of the atom laser versus rf frequency of the outcoupler) and the flux limitations imposed to operate in the quasicontinuous regime are investigated. These aspects are studied using a quasi-1D model, whose predictions are shown to be in fair agreement with the experimental observations. This work allows us to identify the operating range of the guided atom laser and to confirm its good promises in view of studying quantum transport phenomena.