Surface scattering of atoms for high-sensitivity spectroscopy
Phys. Rev. Applied 23, 064063 – Published 27 June, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/w5z1-c6f7
Abstract
High-sensitivity laser spectroscopy is integral to applications such as atomic clocks, quantum computers, and chemical sensing. Lowering the atomic temperature decreases spectral Doppler broadening and increases the transit time across the excitation laser. We find that a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-coated surface can cool iron atoms from approximately K to room temperature by surface scattering. It is also apparent that a single scattering event is enough for atoms to equilibrate with the surface temperature of the PDMS. Further, we reveal the very low adsorption of iron and ytterbium atoms on PDMS, an effect that persists at surface temperatures down to 200 K. Through numerical simulations, we demonstrate the potential use of surface scattering in creating a room-temperature source of collimated atoms with enhanced flux and reduced velocity compared to one without surface scattering.
