Abstract

For large number of trapped atoms in magneto-optical trap, the atomic density is largely affected by light induced atom-atom interactions [1]. The repulsive interactions arise by re-absorption of spontaneously scattered photons (radiation trapping), and an attractive interactions arises due to attenuation of the laser beams by the atomic cloud. Under typical conditions the repulsive interactions are stronger than the attractive ones, and thus limit the density of atoms.

© 1998 IEEE