A robust, high-flux source of laser-cooled ytterbium atoms

Abstract We present a high-flux source of cold ytterbium atoms that is robust, lightweight and low-maintenance. Our apparatus delivers 1 × 10 9 s −1 into 3D magneto-optical trap without requiring water cooling or high current power supplies. achieve this by employing Zeeman slower 2D fully based on permanent magnets in Halbach configurations. This strategy minimizes mechanical complexity, stray magnetic fields, heat production while little to no maintenance, making it applicable both embedded systems seek minimize electrical consumption, large scale experiments reduce the complexity their subsystems.