Reconfigurable Bitter-Type Electromagnet for Zeeman Slowing

Abstract

Many Zeeman slower magnets are geometrically captured by a vacuum chamber, preventing modification or repair without breaking vacuum. We describe a Bitter-type electromagnet coil design that can be easily disassembled, reconfigured, repaired, and replaced without disturbing the vacuum system. This coil, designed to slow lithium atoms, produces a near-ideal field profile with a single DC power supply. With a resistance of 5.7(9) m$Ω$, an inductance of 8.8(2) $μ$H, and switching times as low as $\sim100$ $μ$s, the coil compares favorably to other designs, and can be disassembled, modified, and reassembled repeatedly without loss of performance. With forced-air cooling, the coil experiences moderate heating. This coil design offers greater flexibility than traditional electromagnet designs, and it can retrofitted onto existing UHV chambers.