Bose-Einstein Condensation in a CO_2-laser Optical Dipole Trap

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates Bose-Einstein condensation of rubidium atoms using a CO2-laser optical dipole trap, highlighting the achievement of quantum degeneracy through all-optical methods and the formation of a field-insensitive condensate.

Contribution

First demonstration of Bose-Einstein condensation in a CO2-laser optical dipole trap with all-optical cooling and trapping techniques.

Findings

Achieved quantum degeneracy of rubidium atoms in a CO2-laser trap.

Formed a condensate in a field-insensitive m_F=0 state.

Demonstrated high initial atomic densities in quasistatic dipole traps.

Abstract

We report on the achieving of Bose-Einstein condensation of a dilute atomic gas based on trapping atoms in tightly confining CO_2-laser dipole potentials. Quantum degeneracy of rubidium atoms is reached by direct evaporative cooling in both crossed and single beam trapping geometries. At the heart of these all-optical condensation experiments is the ability to obtain high initial atomic densities in quasistatic dipole traps by laser cooling techniques. Finally, we demonstrate the formation of a condensate in a field insensitive m_F=0 spin projection only. This suppresses fluctuations of the chemical potential from stray magnetic fields.