Observation of Cumulative Spatial Focusing of Atoms

Author :Windell H. Oskay, Daniel A. Steck, and Mark G. Raizen
Publication :Physical Review Letters
Volume :89
Number :28
Pages :283001
Year :2002

We report an experimental study of the spatial distribution of ultracold cesium atoms exposed to a
series of kicks from a standing wave of light.We observe cumulative focusing, leading to a spatial array
of atoms which is of interest for atomic lithography. To observe the spatial distribution, we developed a
free-space measurement technique that enables the reconstruction of the atomic motion as a function of
time. We find increased focusing of atoms after as many as ten kicks, and the results are in good
agreement with theoretical predictions.