Creation of 174Yb Bose–Einstein Condensates in a Crossed FORT
ZHANG Meng-Jiao1,2, ZHANG Xi1,2, LIU Hui1,2, XIONG Zhuan-Xian1**, LV Bao-Long1, HE Ling-Xiang1
1Key Laboratory of Atomic Frequency Standards, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071 2University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049
Abstract：Quantum degenerate gases of alkaline-earth-like atoms are unique systems used for quantum simulation, quantum computing and studies of quantum phase transitions. We report an all-optical formation of Bose–Einstein condensates of ytterbium atoms. About 106 atoms of 174Yb are transferred to a far-off-resonance optical trap (FORT) and then cooled by evaporative cooling. Phase transition occurs at the critical temperature of 520 nK. A pure condensate containing approximately 2×104 atoms has been obtained in the crossed FORT, with an atomic peak density of ～8×1014 cm?3. The condensate lifetime exceeds 1 s.
2014, Vol. 31 
