Calcium magneto-optical trap loaded from a decelerated atomic beam

FAPESP - FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULOCAPES - COORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIORCNPQ - CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICOWe describe a new system for laser cooling and trapping of neutral Calcium atoms employing the ¹S0 -¹ P1 resonant transition at 423 nm. An on-axis magneto-optical trap (MOT) is loaded from a Zeeman decelerated atomic beam. When a single laser is used, in order to avoid perturbation of the trap by the deceleration laser beam, this one has been tightly focused near the MOT center, with a waist size much smaller than the atomic cloud. In order to test the efficiency of this novel technique, we have then employed a second, independent decelerating laser, with a profile mode matched to the atomic beam. For an oven temperature of 580±C this system can load 1.2 (2) x 10(7) atoms in 16 (1) ms. By the spatial extension of the atomic cloud the one dimension rms velocity was estimated to be 136 (12) cm/s, corresponding to a temperature of 9 (2) mK. The variation of the number of trapped atoms as a function of laser detuning and intensity, trap magnetic field gradient and oven temperature is analyzed. Spatial structures of the trapped atoms, like stable rings created by vortex forces, have been observed. This is the first time that these structures, already observed in alkali-metal elements, are reported in MOTs of alkaline-earth elements.We describe a new system for laser cooling and trapping of neutral Calcium atoms employing the ¹S0 -¹ P1 resonant transition at 423 nm. An on-axis magneto-optical trap (MOT) is loaded from a Zeeman decelerated atomic beam. When a single laser is used, in order to avoid perturbation of the trap by the deceleration laser beam, this one has been tightly focused near the MOT center, with a waist size much smaller than the atomic cloud. In order to test the efficiency of this novel technique, we have then employed a second, independent decelerating laser, with a profile mode matched to the atomic beam. For an oven temperature of 580±C this system can load 1.2 (2) x 10(7) atoms in 16 (1) ms. By the spatial extension of the atomic cloud the one dimension rms velocity was estimated to be 136 (12) cm/s, corresponding to a temperature of 9 (2) mK. The variation of the number of trapped atoms as a function of laser detuning and intensity, trap magnetic field gradient and oven temperature is analyzed. Spatial structures of the trapped atoms, like stable rings created by vortex forces, have been observed. This is the first time that these structures, already observed in alkali-metal elements, are reported in MOTs of alkaline-earth elements.We describe a new system for laser cooling and trapping of neutral Calcium atoms employing the ¹S0 -¹ P1 resonant transition at 423 nm. An on-axis magneto-optical trap (MOT) is loaded from a Zeeman decelerated atomic beam. When a single laser is used, in order to avoid perturbation of the trap by the deceleration laser beam, this one has been tightly focused near the MOT center, with a waist size much smaller than the atomic cloud. In order to test the efficiency of this novel technique, we have then employed a second, independent decelerating laser, with a profile mode matched to the atomic beam. For an oven temperature of 580±C this system can load 1.2 (2) x 10(7) atoms in 16 (1) ms. By the spatial extension of the atomic cloud the one dimension rms velocity was estimated to be 136 (12) cm/s, corresponding to a temperature of 9 (2) mK. The variation of the number of trapped atoms as a function of laser detuning and intensity, trap magnetic field gradient and oven temperature is analyzed. Spatial structures of the trapped atoms, like stable rings created by vortex forces, have been observed. This is the first time that these structures, already observed in alkali-metal elements, are reported in MOTs of alkaline-earth elements.332355362FAPESP - FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULOCAPES - COORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIORCNPQ - CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICOFAPESP - FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULOCAPES - COORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIORCNPQ - CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICOSem informaçãoSem informaçãoSem informaçãoWe would like to acknowledge the glass shop of the UNICAMP Physics Institute for the very well done work in the construction of the atomic beam and MOT glass chamber. We also would like to thank the machine shop and J.B.Rodrigues for the mechanical parts. This work was supported by FAPESP, CAPES and CNPq and FAEPUNICAMP, Brazilian government agencies. Support for RLCF was through CAPES graduate research scholarship and for DAM and DRO through FAPESP graduate and undergraduate scholarships respectively

Photoabsorption and photoionization studies of the amino acid proline in the VUV region

Ionic fragmentation of the sublimated amino acid DL-proline has been studied using time-of-flight mass spectrometry and synchrotron radiation. Total ion yield and mass spectra were recorded in the 13 to 21.6 eV energy range. Partial ion yields have been calculated for the produced fragments and the results analyzed in a comparative way. Mass spectrum of proline previously obtained at 21.21 eV using photons from a discharge lamp (He I), was used as reference in the comparison to the synchrotron radiation based spectra. The loss of the COOH fragment represents the most probable dissociation pathway following the photoionization of DL-proline in the valence region. These are the first results of total and partial ion yields spectra for this molecule in its gas phase in the valence region using time-of-flight spectrometry

Photostability of gas- and solid-phase biomolecules within dense molecular clouds due to soft X-rays

An experimental photochemistry study involving gas- and solid-phase amino acids (glycine, DL-valine, DL-proline) and nucleobases (adenine and uracil) under soft X-rays was performed. The aim was to test the molecular stabilities of essential biomolecules against ionizing photon fields inside dense molecular clouds and protostellar disks analogs. In these environments, the main energy sources are the cosmic rays and soft X-rays. The measurements were taken at the Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory (LNLS), employing 150 eV photons. In-situ sample analysis was performed by Time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOF-MS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, for gas- and solid- phase analysis, respectively. The half-life of solid phase amino acids, assumed to be present at grain mantles, is at least 3E5 years and 3E8 years inside dense molecular clouds and protoplanetary disks, respectively. We estimate that for gas-phase compounds these values increase one order of magnitude since the dissociation cross section of glycine is lower at gas-phase than at solid phase for the same photon energy. The half-life of solid phase nucleobases is about 2-3 orders of magnitude higher than found for amino acids. The results indicate that nucleobases are much more resistant to ionizing radiation than amino acids. We consider these implications for the survival and transfer of biomolecules in space environments.Comment: 10 pages, 5 figures, 2 tables. Accepted to be published in MNRA

Laser spectroscopy of calcium in hollow-cathode discharges

FAPESP - FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULOCNPQ - CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICOCAPES - COORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIORWe investigated the use of hollow-cathode discharges for high-resolution and high-sensitivity spectroscopy, using atomic calcium. Spectra with sub-Doppler resolution of Cai transitions at 423 (resonant), 610, 612, 616, 645, 657 (intercombination), and 672 mn were obtained by optogalvanic saturation spectroscopy in lamps filled with argon (0.6 and 2.5 Torr) and krypton (0.6 Torr). A Doppler background that is due to velocity-changing collisions, which may severely limit the resolution, can be greatly reduced by the choice of buffer gas. Sub-Doppler linewidths comparable with those achieved in atomic beams have been obtained, making a properly chosen hollow-cathode lamp a convenient tool for high-resolution spectroscopic experiments, providing wavelength references for laser frequency tuning. The sensitivity of optogalvanic detection and the excitation of most electronic levels by the discharge make these lamps attractive also for investigating weak and excited level transitions with the use of a simple experimental setup.We investigated the use of hollow-cathode discharges for high-resolution and high-sensitivity spectroscopy, using atomic calcium. Spectra with sub-Doppler resolution of Cai transitions at 423 (resonant), 610, 612, 616, 645, 657 (intercombination), and 672 mn were obtained by optogalvanic saturation spectroscopy in lamps filled with argon (0.6 and 2.5 Torr) and krypton (0.6 Torr). A Doppler background that is due to velocity-changing collisions, which may severely limit the resolution, can be greatly reduced by the choice of buffer gas. Sub-Doppler linewidths comparable with those achieved in atomic beams have been obtained, making a properly chosen hollow-cathode lamp a convenient tool for high-resolution spectroscopic experiments, providing wavelength references for laser frequency tuning. The sensitivity of optogalvanic detection and the excitation of most electronic levels by the discharge make these lamps attractive also for investigating weak and excited level transitions with the use of a simple experimental setup.181219221927FAPESP - FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULOCNPQ - CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICOCAPES - COORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIORFAPESP - FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULOCNPQ - CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICOCAPES - COORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIORSem informaçãoSem informaçãoSem informaçã

On-axis calcium magneto-optical trap loaded with a focused decelerating laser

FAPESP - FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULOCAPES - COORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIORCNPQ - CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICOWe report on a simple scheme to efficiently load an on-axis magneto-optical trap (MOT) from a decelerated atomic beam, which avoids perturbation by radiation pressure from the decelerating laser. This has been tightly focused near the MOT center, with a waist size much smaller than the atomic cloud. For comparison, and in order to test the efficiency of this non-optimum deceleration geometry we have employed a second, independent decelerating laser, with a profile mode matched to the atomic beam. Using a Calcium MOT, good performance has been achieved and for an oven temperature of 580 degreesC we loaded 1.2 (2) x10(7) atoms in 16 (1) ms. The technique described here has been essential for the sensitive detection of cold collisions, which represent minor losses in MOTs of alkaline-earth metal elements (R.L. Cavasso-Filho, A. Scalabrin, D. Pereira, F.C. Cruz: Phys. Rev. A, 67, 021402(R) (2003)).We report on a simple scheme to efficiently load an on-axis magneto-optical trap (MOT) from a decelerated atomic beam, which avoids perturbation by radiation pressure from the decelerating laser. This has been tightly focused near the MOT center, with a waist size much smaller than the atomic cloud. For comparison, and in order to test the efficiency of this non-optimum deceleration geometry we have employed a second, independent decelerating laser, with a profile mode matched to the atomic beam. Using a Calcium MOT, good performance has been achieved and for an oven temperature of 580 degreesC we loaded 1.2 (2) x10(7) atoms in 16 (1) ms. The technique described here has been essential for the sensitive detection of cold collisions, which represent minor losses in MOTs of alkaline-earth metal elements (R.L. Cavasso-Filho, A. Scalabrin, D. Pereira, F.C. Cruz: Phys. Rev. A, 67, 021402(R) (2003)).7814952FAPESP - FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULOCAPES - COORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIORCNPQ - CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICOFAPESP - FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULOCAPES - COORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIORCNPQ - CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICOSem informaçãoSem informaçãoSem informaçãoThis work was supported by FAPESP, CAPES, CNPq, and FAEP-UNICAMP, Brazilian government agencies. Support for RLCF was through CAPES graduate research scholarship and for DAM and DRO through FAPESP graduate and undergraduate scholarships respectively

Frequency doubled diode laser in alternative extended cavity

FAPESP - FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULOCAPES - COORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIORCNPQ - CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICOWe report on an alternative extended cavity scheme used with a 180 mW quantum well GaAlAs diode laser, operating near 850 nm. A dispersing prism and a thin glass plate are employed to enforce stable single-mode operation in the strong feedback regime, with no need for laser AR coatings. Compared to other configurations where a grating is used, the lower loss in the extended cavity allows higher fundamental power available for second harmonic generation. For example, by frequency doubling using potassium niobate in a power enhancement cavity, enough power can be generated from a single diode laser to decelerate and trap calcium atoms with radiation at 423 nm.We report on an alternative extended cavity scheme used with a 180 mW quantum well GaAlAs diode laser, operating near 850 nm. A dispersing prism and a thin glass plate are employed to enforce stable single-mode operation in the strong feedback regime, with no need for laser AR coatings. Compared to other configurations where a grating is used, the lower loss in the extended cavity allows higher fundamental power available for second harmonic generation. For example, by frequency doubling using potassium niobate in a power enhancement cavity, enough power can be generated from a single diode laser to decelerate and trap calcium atoms with radiation at 423 nm.2011/3157163FAPESP - FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULOCAPES - COORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIORCNPQ - CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICOFAPESP - FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULOCAPES - COORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIORCNPQ - CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICOSem informaçãoSem informaçãoSem informaçã

A time-of-flight spectrometer for synchrotron radiation-based recoil ion momentum spectroscopy in laser cooled atoms

Sem informaçãoWe describe a new time-of-flight (TOF) spectrometer for recoil ion momentum determination. The ionization is produced by synchrotron radiation and the sample is laser cooled. The main purpose is to measure the recoil suffered by an ion after the ejection of the electron, and to obtain the respective photoelectrons angular distribution. Flight trajectories and expected detection efficiencies are discussed. Results of TOF spectra for cesium ions from a laser cooled sample are presented.We describe a new time-of-flight (TOF) spectrometer for recoil ion momentum determination. The ionization is produced by synchrotron radiation and the sample is laser cooled. The main purpose is to measure the recoil suffered by an ion after the ejection of the electron, and to obtain the respective photoelectrons angular distribution. Flight trajectories and expected detection efficiencies are discussed. Results of TOF spectra for cesium ions from a laser cooled sample are presented.5713748754Sem informaçãoSem informaçãoSem informaçã

Experimental and theoretical investigations on photoabsorption and photoionization of trimethylphosphate in the vacuum-ultraviolet energy range

In this work, we report a joint experimental-theoretical investigation on interaction of vacuum-ultraviolet radiation with trimethylphosphate (TMP) molecule (C3H9O4P) in gas phase. This species together with tetrahydrofuran (THF) are model compounds of deoxyribose nucleic acids (DNA)/ribose nucleic acids (RNA) backbone. Absolute photoabsorption cross sections (σa) and ionization yields (η) are measured using the double-ion-chamber technique in the 11.0–21.45 eV energy range. Photoionization (σi) and neutral-decay (σn) cross sections in absolute scale are also derived. Moreover, theoretical photoabsorption cross sections are calculated using the time-dependent density functional theory from the excitation threshold up to 16 eV. Good agreement between the present calculated and experimental photoabsorption cross sections in the 11.0–14.5 eV range is encouraging. Also, the present measured data of σa and σi for TMP are about 1.3 and 1.5 times of those of THF, respectively. Thus, the experimental evidences that the majority of strand breaks being located at sugar rings in the irradiated DNA/RNA backbone moiety may be induced by a possible migration of the hole, initially created at phosphate group, to the linked sugar groups. Finally, absolute partial photoionization cross sections are derived from the experimental time-of-flight mass spectra

Anionic and Cationic Photodissociation of the Chloroform Molecule Excited in the Vicinity of the Cl 1s Edge

The anionic and cationic photodissociation from deep-core excited chloroform molecule has been investigated in the vicinity of the Cl 1s excitation edge. We used synchrotron radiation, time of flight mass spectrometry and ion yield spectroscopy. From our partial anion yield results we were able to observe for the first time the formation of the following anionic species: Cl-, H- and C-. From our TOF spectra we determined the cations produced in order to discuss the photoionization and dissociation dynamics for this core excited molecule. It provided evidences of the complex dynamics of negative and positive ion formation from CHCl3 upon photo-excitation in the vicinity of the Cl 1s edge