Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

A focussing funnel for metastable helium

  • Published:
The European Physical Journal D - Atomic, Molecular, Optical and Plasma Physics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract:

We have constructed a magneto-optical funnel for He atoms and studied its properties using a laser cooled, highly mono-energetic atomic beam. A simple model of its action allows us to quantitatively understand the observed spot size and “focal length”. We show that for a fast beam, the velocity damping coefficient plays an important role in determining the focal length of the device. The observed spot size is limited mainly by transverse heating processes which impose a transverse velocity spread. The device also permits easy scanning of the focussed spot.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratoire Charles Fabry de l'Institut d'Optique, B.P. 147, 91403 Orsay Cedex, France, , , , , , FR

    G. Labeyrie, A. Browaeys, W. Rooijakkers, D. Voelker, J. Grosperrin, B. Wanner, C.I. Westbrook & A. Aspect

Authors
  1. G. Labeyrie
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. A. Browaeys
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. W. Rooijakkers
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. D. Voelker
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. J. Grosperrin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. B. Wanner
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. C.I. Westbrook
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. A. Aspect
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

Received 30 October 1998 and Received in final form 27 January 1999

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Labeyrie, G., Browaeys, A., Rooijakkers, W. et al. A focussing funnel for metastable helium. Eur. Phys. J. D 7, 341–350 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s100530050577

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s100530050577

Search

Navigation