Alkali vapor pressure modulation on the 100ms scale in a single-cell vacuum system for cold atom experiments

TL;DR

This paper presents a device that modulates alkali vapor pressure rapidly in a single-cell cold atom setup, enabling fast trap loading and long trap lifetime, ideal for portable atomic sensors.

Contribution

It introduces a novel vapor pressure modulation device based on optimized heat conduction, achieving 100ms timescale control in a simple, portable system.

Findings

Fast vapor pressure modulation on 100ms timescale achieved.

Device enables high repetition rates in cold atom experiments.

Suitable for portable atomic sensor applications.

Abstract

We describe and characterize a device for alkali vapor pressure modulation on the 100ms timescale in a single-cell cold atom experiment. Its mechanism is based on optimized heat conduction between a current-modulated alkali dispenser and a heat sink at room temperature. We have studied both the short-term behavior during individual pulses and the long-term pressure evolution in the cell. The device combines fast trap loading and relatively long trap lifetime, enabling high repetition rates in a very simple setup. These features make it particularly suitable for portable atomic sensors.