Laser Manipulation of Atomic Beam Velocities: Demonstration of Stopped Atoms and Velocity Reversal

Abstract

Atomic-beam sodium atoms were slowed to zero or negative velocities by counterpropagating laser radiation which was frequency chirped with precise electro-optic modulation techniques. The resulting "gas cloud" had a temperature below 50 mK and a density above ${10}^6$ atoms/${\mathrm{cm}}^3$. We mention future possibilities in atom slowing, deflection, and storage.