We report laser cooling and trapping of ytterbium atoms in a two-color magneto-optical trap (MOT). Benefited from both the broad singlet transition (${}^1{S}_0\to {}^1{P}_1$) and the narrow intercombination transition (${}^1{S}_0\to {}^3{P}_1$) of ytterbium atoms, the two-color MOT enables rapid loading and efficient cooling. We systematically investigate the shielding effect of the intercombination transition by examining the atom loading and loss rates of single-color and two-color MOTs. Our findings are general and can be extended to other alkaline-earth(-like) atoms.

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• Cold atoms & matter waves
• Magneto-optics
• Quantum information with atoms & light
• Alkaline earth metals
• Atomic gases
• Ultracold gases
• Atom & ion cooling
• Atom & ion trapping & guiding