MULTIPLY LOADED MAGNETOOPTICAL TRAP

We report a two-chambered, differentially pumped system that permits r apid collection of trapped atoms with a vapor cell magneto-optical tra p (MOT) and efficient transfer of these atoms to a second MOT in a low er-pressure chamber. During the transfer the atoms are guided down a l ong, thin tube by a magnetic potential, with 90(15%) transfer efficien cy. By multiply loading, we accumulate and hold as many as 30 times th e number collected by the vapor cell MOT. By thus separating the colle ction and holding functions of a MOT, we can collect as many as 1.5(0. 6) x 10(10) rubidium atoms and hold them for longer than 100 s, using inexpensive low-power diode lasers.