Velocity selector with a microwave magnetic dipole transition

Abstract

We proposed a method based on microwave magnetic dipole transitions to prepare samples of atoms with well defined position and velocity. Each microwave pulse corresponds to a position measurement for the atoms and two pulses separated by a given delay result in a velocity measurement. The method gives velocity sensitivity approaching that obtained with Raman transitions but it is easier to implement. Moreover, it has the advantages that it also selects in position and has less demanding experimental requirements. The method can be demonstrated in a magneto-optical trap.