Trapping of atoms by resonance radiation pressure

Abstract

A method of stably trapping, cooling, and manipulating atoms on a continuous-wave basis is proposed using resonance radiation pressure forces. Use of highly focused laser beams and atomic beam injection should give a very deep trap for confining single atoms or gases at temperatures ∼ 10-6 °K. An analysis of the saturation properties of radiation pressure forces is given. © 1978 The American Physical Society.