Theory of robust subrecoil cooling by STIRAP

Abstract

We demonstrate one-dimensional robust Raman cooling in a three-level $\Lambda$-type atom, where the velocity-selective transfer is carried out by a STIRAP pulse. In contrast to the standard Raman method, the excitation profile is insensitive to variations in the pulse duration, whereas its position and width are nevertheless under control. Two different cooling variants are examined and we show that subrecoil temperatures are attainable in both cases.