Power-dependent loss from an ytterbium magneto-optic trap - art. no. 051401

Radiative decay of excited P-1(1) states to metastables is expected to limi t attainable lifetimes in magneto-optic traps (MOTs) containing alkaline-ea rth-metal-like atoms. We present measurements of power-dependent loss from a (6s(2))S-1(0)-(6s6p)P-1(1) ytterbium MOT, show that the observed power de pendence is consistent with radiative decay from the (6s6p)P-1(1) excited s tate leading to population of lower-lying metastable states, and determine the (6s6p) P-1(1)-to-metastable state decay rate. With weak excitation of t he (6s(2))S-1(0)-(6s6p)P-1(1) trapping transition, MOT lifetimes approachin g 800 ms are observed.