Longitudinal Zeeman slowers based on permanent magnetic dipoles

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new type of longitudinal Zeeman slower using arrays of permanent magnets, offering a simple, low-cost, and efficient alternative to traditional designs for cooling Sr and Rb atoms.

Contribution

It presents the design and advantages of compact, adjustable Zeeman slowers based on permanent magnetic dipoles, improving efficiency and simplicity over existing methods.

Findings

Achieved smooth magnetic fields suitable for near-theoretical deceleration limits

Designed specific slowers for Sr and Rb atoms

Demonstrated low-cost, power-free operation

Abstract

Longitudinal Zeeman slowers composed of arrays of compact discrete neodymium magnets are proposed. The general properties of these slowers, as well as specific designs of short spin-flip Zeeman slowers for Sr and Rb atoms are described. The advantages of these slowers are their simplicity, low cost and absence of consumed electrical power and corresponding water cooling. The smoothness of the magnetic field together with ease of adjustability makes it possible to operate these slowers near the theoretical limits of deceleration, making them more compact and efficient.