Guiding of cold atoms by a red-detuned laser beam of moderate power

Abstract

We report measurements on the guiding of cold $^{87}$Rb atoms from a magneto-optical trap by a continuous light beam over a vertical distance of 6.5 mm. For moderate laser power ($<$85 mW) we are able to capture around 40% of the cold atoms. Although the guide is red-detuned, the optical scattering rate at this detuning ($\approx$70 GHz) is acceptably low. For lower detuning ($<$30 GHz) a larger fraction was guided but radiation pressure starts to push the atoms upward, effectively lowering the acceleration due to gravity. The measured guided fraction agrees well with an analytical model.