# Magneto-Optical Trap Field Characterization with the Directional Hanle Effect

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel method using the directional Hanle effect to visually and directly characterize magnetic fields in a magneto-optical trap, enhancing alignment and measurement accuracy.

## Contribution

It presents a simple, visual technique for measuring magnetic field direction and magnitude in magneto-optical traps using spatial emission patterns.

## Key findings

- Brighter fluorescence correlates with larger magnetic fields.
- Method effectively determines field direction and magnitude.
- Suitable for typical MOT magnetic field strengths.

## Abstract

We demonstrate the use of spatial emission patterns to measure the magnetic fields used in a magneto-optical trap. The directional aspect of the Hanle effect gives a direct, visual presentation of the magnetic fields, in which brighter fluorescence indicates larger fields. It can be used to determine the direction as well as the magnitude of the field. It is particularly well suited for characterizing and aligning magneto-optical traps, requiring little additional equipment or setup beyond what is ordinarily used in a magneto-optical trap, and being most sensitive to fields of the size typically present in a magneto-optical trap.