Dynamically configurable and optimizable Zeeman slower using permanent magnets and servomotors

TL;DR

This paper presents a lightweight, remotely controlled Zeeman slower with dynamic magnetic field profile switching and in situ optimization, enhancing ultracold atom experiments.

Contribution

It introduces a servomotor-controlled, permanent magnet Zeeman slower with real-time configurability and genetic algorithm-based optimization for improved atom trapping.

Findings

Enables switching between magnetic profiles for different atomic species.

Uses feedback to optimize magnetic field profiles in situ.

Consumes no power in steady state.

Abstract

We report on the implementation of a dynamically configurable, servomotor- controlled, permanent magnet Zeeman slower for quantum optics experiments with ultracold atoms and molecules. This atom slower allows for switching between magnetic field profiles that are designed for different atomic species. Additionally, through feedback on the atom trapping rate, we demonstrate that computer-controlled genetic optimization algorithms applied to the magnet positions can be used in situ to obtain field profiles that maximize the trapping rate for any given experimental conditions. The device is lightweight, remotely controlled, and consumes no power in steady state; it is a step toward automated control of quantum optics experiments.