Measurement of collisions between rubidium atoms and optically dark rubidium ions in trapped mixtures

摘要: We measure the collision-rate coefficient between laser-cooled rubidium (Rb) atoms in a magneto-optical trap (MOT) and optically dark Rb${}^{+}$ ions an overlapping Paul trap. In such mixture, are created from MOT allowed to accumulate ion trap, which results significant reduction number of steady-state atoms. A theoretical rate-equation model is developed describe evolution atom due ionization ion-atom collisions, we derive expression for coefficient. The loss studied systematically by sequentially switching on various mechanisms experiment. Combining measurements with allows direct determination Finally, scope experimental technique here discussed.