A Strontium Atomic Source for Ultracold Quantum Gas Experiments

Abstract

In this work we report on the construction and characterization of a strontium atomic source that will be used as a first step in the production of ultracold quantum gases. We detail the design and assembly of the atomic oven, as well as the vacuum chamber and the optical setup built for its study. We also present the results of spectroscopy measurements using quasi-resonant laser light, from which we infer information about the density and velocity profiles of the atomic beam. Finally, we implement a one-dimensional transverse cooling to enhance the collimation of the atomic beam, demonstrating an increase in the resulting atomic density.