Realization of the Compact Magneto-Optical Trap Based on Single Laser with Frequency Modulation

In cold atom physics, the complexity of traditional magneto-optical trap system limits the use of their associated instruments for field applications in atomic physics, such as gravity mapping, space navigation and deep space exploration. This study introduces a novel compact MOT design that addresses these issues by simplifying the structure and reducing the size. The height of the unit is 0.7 m, the volume is 6.3×10−2m3 and the mass is 11.32 kg. The new design utilizes a single laser to generate the two different frequencies needed for laser cooling by internally splitting the beam, shifting the frequency and then combining them, effectively controlling both the cooling and repumping beams. The compact vacuum chamber optical path, in conjunction with the magnetic field, facilitates the capture of 87Rb atoms in an ultra-high vacuum environment. Experimental results demonstrate an atom loading rate of up to 1.79×10787Rb atoms per second, confirming the system’s effectiveness in capturing and cooling 87Rb atoms. This design provides a flexible and portable solution, offering valuable insights for the advancement of compact MOT and its applications in cold atom physics.