One-dimensional magneto-optical compression of a cold CaF molecular beam

Abstract

We demonstrate the one-dimensional, transverse magneto-optical compression of a cold beam of calcium monofluoride (CaF). By continually alternating the magnetic field direction and laser polarizations of the magneto-optical trap (RF MOT), a photon scattering rate of $2\pi \times 0.4\,\mathrm{MHz}$ is achieved. A 3D model for this RF MOT, validated by agreement with data, predicts a 3D RF MOT capture velocity for CaF of 5 m s ^–1 .

Keywords

• laser cooling of molecules
• molecular RF magneto-optical trap
• cryogenic molecular buffer-gas beam