MAGNETOSTATIC STATE-SELECTIVE DEFLECTION OF A BEAM OF LASER-COOLED ATOMS

We have demonstrated the transverse state-selective deflection of a be am of free-falling laser-cooled caesium 6(2)S(i/2), F = 4 atoms by the inhomogeneous static magnetic field of a current-carrying wire. With currents of up to 45 A the positions of atoms in individual magnetic s ubstates are clearly resolved and deflection angles as large as 25 deg rees are observed. By optically pumping the atoms toward the m(F) = 4 substate in the ground state, most of the atoms are deflected through the same angle, The current-carrying wire can be considered as a simpl e magnetostatic atomic-optical element.