Simultaneous multi-isotope trapping of ytterbium - art. no. 053401

Working with ytterbium (Yb), we demonstrate dual-isotope magneto-optic trap s of extreme experimental simplicity yet containing either fermion-boson or boson-boson isotope pairs. Pairs studied include Yb-171+Yb-172 (a fermion- boson mixture) and Yb-176+Yb-174 and Yb-174+Yb-172 (boson-boson mixtures). Trapping is performed using the Yb (6s(2))S-1(0)-(6s6p)P-1(1) transition, a n uncooled thermal source, and bichromatic trapping beams. Static and dynam ic properties of the composite cloud are conveniently probed on the spin fo rbidden (6s(2))S-1(0)-(6s6p)P-3(1) transition. A unique strategy for contin uously loading these samples into magnetic traps is described.