A New Design for a Traveling-Wave Zeeman Decelerator: I. Theory

TL;DR

This paper introduces a theoretical design for a traveling-wave Zeeman decelerator with a double-helix wire geometry, capable of efficiently decelerating paramagnetic molecules by creating moving magnetic traps.

Contribution

It presents the theoretical framework and simulation-based performance analysis of a novel traveling-wave Zeeman decelerator design.

Findings

Theoretical foundation for the traveling-wave Zeeman decelerator.

Simulation results showing phase-space stability conditions.

Potential for high-efficiency deceleration of paramagnetic species.

Abstract

The concept of a novel traveling wave Zeeman deccelerator based on a double-helix wire geometry capable of decelerating paramagnetic species with high efficiency is presented. A moving magnetic trap is created by running time-dependent currents through the decelerator coils. Paramagnetic species in low-field-seeking Zeeman states are confined in the moving traps and transported to the end of the decelerator with programmable velocities. Here, we present the theoretical foundations underlying the working principle of the traveling-trap decelerator. Using trajectory simulations, we characterise the performance of the new device and explore the conditions for phase-space stability of the transported molecules.