We report the experimental realization of new stable three-dimensional
schemes for trapping neutral cesium atoms in a vapor cell that use ei
ther two or four Gaussian laser beams. Probe-beam absorption is employ
ed to characterize both types of trap, and densities of 2 x 10(8) and
1 x 10(10) cm-3, respectively, are measured for the two- and four-beam
traps. The two-beam trapping mechanism combines a longitudinal magnet
o-optical force with a transverse spontaneous radiation pressure force
associated basically with the beam geometry. This theoretical analysi
s compares well with our experimental observations.