High density and loading rate MOT of K atoms using a buffer-gas beam source

Whereas AMO experiments with alkali atoms typically rely on dispenser- or oven-based sources of gas-phase atoms, cold radical molecules are more commonly generated from a cryogenic buffer gas beam (CBGB). Building on previous proof-of-principle work that demonstrated efficient loading of lanthanide-series atoms into a magneto-optical trap (MOT), we achieve an exceptionally dense MOT of potassium atoms using the D2 line, with a loading time of only ~10 ms. This method could be applied to any cold atom experiment, and would be especially useful when very high initial atomic MOT densities or <<100 ms loading times are required. Explorations of high repetition rates will also be discussed.