Momentum distribution of atoms in one-dimensional Raman cooling with arbitrary coherent population transfer

Abstract

We derive an exact and analytical form for the cold-atom momentum distribution after a large number of one-dimensional (1D) Raman cooling cycles has been applied. Our result shows that one can select pulse profiles and lengths rather freely in order to obtain efficient cooling. Our approach takes into account optical pumping (resonant excitation followed by spontaneous emission) as an intergral part of the process, and it is noted that it does not affect the final momentum distribution. Thus subrecoil cooling is possible in general, and not just for carefully selected combinations of pulse forms and durations.