Magneto-optical trap performance for high-bandwidth applications

TL;DR

This paper investigates the performance of high-bandwidth magneto-optical traps, emphasizing the importance of recapture efficiency, and applies the findings to enhance quantum sensing devices like gravimeters for dynamic environments.

Contribution

It introduces a simple model for high-bandwidth MOTs, validated with experiments, and predicts improved quantum sensor sensitivities for mobile applications.

Findings

High recapture efficiency is crucial for maintaining atom numbers at high bandwidths.

The developed model accurately predicts MOT behavior under pressure-induced collisions.

Predicted shot noise limited sensitivity of 10^{-7} g/√Hz for a 100 Hz gravimeter.

Abstract

We study the dynamics of a magneto-optical trap (MOT) operating at high-bandwidth. We find the absolute importance of high recapture efficiency between cycles to maintain a practical atom number. We develop a simple model accounting for MOT trapping forces and pressure induced collisions and validate with experimental data using $\mathrm{{}^{87}Rb}$. This is then applied to quantum sensing predicting a shot noise limited sensitivity of $\mathrm{10^{-7}g/\sqrt{Hz}}$ for a gravimeter at 100 Hz operation. The results are useful for understanding MOT operation at high-bandwidth, particularly in the context of developing mobile high-bandwidth quantum inertial sensors targeting dynamic environments and navigation applications.