Neutral Atom Valve

Investigators: Han Pu, Paul Rudy, Sang Lee and Nicholas P. Bigelow.

We have used radiation pressure forces to control the flow of neutral atoms through hollow glass micro-capillary. Laser light is introduced into the capillary by transverse irradiation producing a spontaneous force which deflects atoms into the capillary wall, thereby inpeading their propagation. We have demonstrated the ability to control the flow of a beam of thermal sodium atoms after the capillary in a state selective manner. This technique can readily be combined with the recently described laser guiding of atoms in a hollow core optical fiber so as to create a system for atom plumbing.

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