Abstract
The Stern-Gerlach effect on a paramagnetic atom was demonstrated by simply using a light field in place of magnetic field. Since a laser beam can be tightly focused with lenses, made into a standing wave, and used for optical pumping, the laser-induced Stern-Gerlach force provides a versatile tool in optically manipulating atomic motion in a spin-dependent way. As a byproduct, a method of producing a slow atomic beam from a magneto-optical trap with better control on its velocity and population distributions was developed.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 033410/1-033410/5 |
Journal | Physical Review A - Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics |
Volume | 65 |
Issue number | 3 B |
Publication status | Published - 2002 Mar |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics