Guiding of Metastable Helium Atoms through Hollow Optical Fibres

Abstract

Guiding of excited state He atoms through hollow fibers is demonstrated. He atoms in the metastable 23S1 state are employed, utilizing the 1083 nm transition to the 23P2 state to manipulate the atomic trajectories. The fibers comprise fused silica capillaries of both square and circular cross-section. Atoms are transmitted through the fiber when the laser light, either co- or counterpropagating with the atoms, is detuned to the blue of the atomic resonance frequency, thereby creating a repulsive potential.