High-flux, adjustable, compact cold-atom source

Magneto-optical traps (MOTs) are widely used for laser cooling of atoms. We have developed a high-flux compact cold-atom source based on pyramid MOT with unique adjustable aperture that is highly suitable portable quantum technology devices, including space-based experiments. The adjustability enabled an investigation into the previously unexplored impact size atomic flux, and optimisation allowed us to demonstrate higher flux than any reported sources use pyramid, LVIS, 3D-MOT or grating MOT. achieved 2.0(1)x10^10 atoms/s 87-Rb mean velocity 32(1)m/s, FWHM 27.6(9)m/s divergence 58(3)mrad. Halving total optical power 195mW caused only 26% reduction 33% decrease in velocity. Methods further as required been identified. low consumption small make this design wide range technologies.