We confine $4\times {10}^8$ fermionic ${}^6\mathrm{Li}$ atoms simultaneously with $9\times {10}^9$ bosonic ${}^7\mathrm{Li}$ atoms in a magneto-optical trap based on an all-semiconductor laser system. We optimize the two-isotope sample for sympathetic evaporative cooling. This is an essential step towards the production of a quantum-degenerate gas of fermionic lithium atoms.

• Received 27 July 1999

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.61.011403