Abstract

A Monte Carlo wave-function approach is used to calculate the spectrum of resonance fluorescence as well as the momentum and position distributions of an ⁸⁵Rb atom in a one-dimensional standing-wave optical field (“optical molasses”). The problem includes the 16 states of the F=3 to F′=4 transition and sufficient momentum states (~100) to accurately reproduce the momentum distributions expected from polarization-gradient cooling. In addition, the trapping of these cold atoms in optical potential wells formed in some polarization configurations is demonstrated. Dicke-narrowed spectra with sidebands representing transitions between bound states in the optical potentials result. The problem is in some sense “too large” to permit solving for the spectrum by using more traditional techniques. A comparison with recent 1-D experiments measuring the spectrum of ⁸⁵Rb is made. Some insights into atomic dynamics can also be gained by examining the evolution of the atomic wave packet in time.

© 1992 Optical Society of America