Fraunhofer diffraction of atomic matter waves: electron transfer studies with a laser cooled target

Diffusive-like redistribution in state-changing collisions between Rydberg atoms and ground state atoms

Exploring the dynamics of inelastic and reactive collisions on the quantum level is a fundamental goal in quantum chemistry. Such collisions are of particular importance in connection with Rydberg atoms in dense environments since they may considerably influence both the lifetime and the quantum state of the scattered Rydberg atoms. Here, we report on the study of state-changing collisions between Rydberg atoms and ground state atoms. We employ high-resolution momentum spectroscopy to identify the final states. In contrast to previous studies, we find that the outcome of such collisions is not limited to a single hydrogenic manifold. We observe a redistribution of population over a wide range of final states. We also find that even the decay to states with the same angular momentum quantum number as the initial state, but different principal quantum number is possible. We model the underlying physical process in the framework of a short-lived Rydberg quasi-molecular complex, where a charge exchange process gives rise to an oscillating electric field that causes transitions within the Rydberg manifold. The distribution of final states shows a diffusive-like behavior.

Design and characterization of a velocity-map imaging apparatus for low-energy photo-ion spectroscopy using magneto-optically trapped atoms

We present a velocity-map imaging (VMI) apparatus coupled with a magneto-optical trap (MOT) of ⁸⁷Rb atoms designed for low-energy photo-ion spectroscopy. The VMI-electrode geometry uses a three-electrode configuration, and the focusing electric field is optimized based on systematic simulations of relatively low-energy ions. To calibrate the apparatus, we use resonant two-color two-photon ionization of rubidium atoms as Doppler-selected ions. This VMI system provides an accuracy of 0.15 m/s and a resolution of 7.5 m/s for photoions with speeds below 100 m/s. Finally, details of the design, construction, and testing of the VMI-MOT system are presented.

Electron and recoil ion momentum imaging with a magneto-optically trapped target

A reaction microscope (ReMi) has been combined with a magneto-optical trap (MOT) for the kinematically complete investigation of atomic break-up processes. With the novel MOTReMi apparatus, the momentum vectors of the fragments of laser-cooled and state-prepared lithium atoms are measured in coincidence and over the full solid angle. The first successful implementation of a MOTReMi could be realized due to an optimized design of the present setup, a nonstandard operation of the MOT, and by employing a switching cycle with alternating measuring and trapping periods. The very low target temperature in the MOT (∼2 mK) allows for an excellent momentum resolution. Optical preparation of the target atoms in the excited Li 2(2)P3/2 state was demonstrated providing an atomic polarization of close to 100%. While first experimental results were reported earlier, in this work, we focus on the technical description of the setup and its performance in commissioning experiments involving target ionization in 266 nm laser pulses and in collisions with projectile ions.

High-resolution probe of coherence in low-energy charge exchange collisions with oriented targets

The trapping lasers of a magneto-optical trap have been used to bring Rb atoms into well defined oriented states. Coupled to recoil-ion-momentum spectroscopy, this provided a unique MOTRIMS setup which was able to probe scattering dynamics, including the coherence features, with unprecedented resolution. The technique was applied to the low-energy charge exchange reactions Na+ + Rb(5p±1)→Na(3p,4s)+Rb+. The measurements revealed detailed features of the collisional interaction which were employed to improve the theoretical description. As such, it was possible to ascertain the validity of the intuitive models used to predict the most likely capture transitions.

Ion-lithium collision dynamics studied with a laser-cooled in-ring target

We present a novel experimental tool allowing for kinematically complete studies of break-up processes of laser-cooled atoms. This apparatus, the 'MOTReMi,' is a combination of a magneto-optical trap (MOT) and a reaction microscope (ReMi). Operated in an ion-storage ring, the new setup enables us to study the dynamics in swift ion-atom collisions on an unprecedented level of precision and detail. In the inaugural experiment on collisions with 1.5  MeV/amu O(8+)-Li the pure ionization of the valence electron as well as the ionization-excitation of the lithium target was investigated.

A new magneto-optical trap-target recoil ion momentum spectroscopy apparatus for ion-atom collisions and trapped atom studies

A new magneto-optical trap-target recoil ion momentum spectroscopy apparatus has been built and tested at the LPC-CAEN. Dedicated to ion-atom collisions studies and excited fraction measurements, the setup combines a projectile ion beam line, a target of cold rubidium atoms provided by a magneto-optical trap (MOT), and a recoil ion momentum spectrometer. In a test experiment using a beam of Na(+) projectiles, we demonstrate its capability to measure, with a very high signal over background ratio, fully differential cross sections in scattering angle, initial state, and final state of the system. We detail, in this work, features that had not been described previously in the literature: an extraction of the recoil ions transverse to the ion beam axis, and a fast switch for the MOT magnetic field. Advantages of transverse versus longitudinal extraction are discussed, and future possibilities for the setup are presented.

State selective charge transfer cross sections for Na+ with excited rubidium: a unique diagnostic of the population dynamics of a magneto-optical trap

It is shown how the newly developed technique of magneto-optical-trap recoil-ion momentum spectroscopy can be used to measure the temporal evolution of excited state fraction in such a trap. In this case, the fraction of atoms in a 5p state is measured. The technique can be generalized to allow the measurement of more complicated systems, e.g., a Rb sample having a mixture of 5s, 5p, 4d, and Rydberg states.