Multiple Isotope Magneto Optical Trap from a single diode laser

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a simplified method for creating a dual isotope magneto optical trap using a single diode laser and a fiber intensity modulator, reducing complexity in laser cooling setups.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach to generate multiple optical frequencies from one laser via RF modulation, simplifying multi-isotope trapping systems.

Findings

Successful creation of a dual isotope MOT with a single diode laser

All optical frequencies generated using a fiber intensity modulator and tapered amplifier

Method allows easy addition of more isotopes by adding RF frequencies

Abstract

We present a Dual Isotope Magneto Optical Trap produced using a single diode laser. We generate all the optical frequencies needed for trapping both species using a fiber intensity modulator. All the optical frequencies are amplified simultaneously using a tapered amplifier. The independent control of each frequency is on the RF side rather than on the optical side. This introduces an enormous simplification for laser cooling applications that often require an acousto-optic modulator for each laser beam. Frequency changing capabilities are limited by the modulator bandwidth (10 GHz). Traps for more isotopes can be simply added by including additional RF frequencies to the modulator.