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Laser-driven acceleration of neutral particles

Nature Photonics volume 6, pages 386–390 (2012)Cite this article

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Abstract

Precise control over the translational motion of atoms and molecules is important for a large range of scientific and industrial processes. Applications range from surface growth and deposition to elucidating the details of chemical reactions through controlled collisions. The critical challenge faced by many experiments is the production of a beam of particles with a narrow velocity spread, a precisely controlled mean velocity, and sufficient flux over a wide range. We demonstrate this fine control of velocity using strong optical fields that trap and accelerate particles up to velocities of hundreds of metres per second. This acceleration occurs over tens of nanoseconds and on micrometre length scales. Particle velocity can be continuously tuned over a wide range while maintaining a narrow velocity spread. Our method is very general and will allow acceleration or deceleration of a wide variety of neutral atomic and molecular species, as well as nanoscale particles.

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Figure 1: Schematic of the accelerator and diagnostics.
Figure 2: Fluorescence images of acceleration using resonant laser excitation at a wavelength of 811.53 nm.
Figure 3: Time-of-flight measurements of the accelerated atomic packet and comparisons with simulations.
Figure 4: Experimental lattice beam characteristics and simulation of acceleration dynamics.

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Acknowledgements

This research was funded by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK

    C. Maher-McWilliams, P. Douglas & P. F. Barker

Authors
  1. C. Maher-McWilliams
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  2. P. Douglas
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  3. P. F. Barker
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Contributions

C.M.-M. and P.D. were involved in planning the experiment and performed the experimental work and undertook the data analysis. P.F.B. was involved in the planning of the work and the data analysis.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to P. F. Barker.

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The authors declare no competing financial interests.

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Maher-McWilliams, C., Douglas, P. & Barker, P. Laser-driven acceleration of neutral particles. Nature Photon 6, 386–390 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/nphoton.2012.87

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