A compact gain-enhanced microwave helical antenna for 87Rb atomic experiments

We present a compact and gain-enhanced microwave helical antenna for manipulating ultracold Rb-87 atoms coherently. By replacing the reflecting plate with an enhancing cup, the voltage standing wave ratio is reduced by 0.5 in the frequency range of 6.73-6.93 GHz, which covers the resonant frequency between the ground-state hyperfine levels of the Rb-87 atom. The gain of the helical antenna is increased by 1.25-1.63 dBi, whose length is 89 mm. Applying the antenna to ultracold Rb-87 atomic experiments, we achieve a Rabi frequency of 60(1) x2 pi kHz of the oscillation between the hyperfine levels. Published under an exclusive license by AIP Publishing.

Automated summary

Researchers present a compact and gain-enhanced microwave helical antenna for manipulating ultracold Rb-87 atoms coherently. By replacing the reflecting plate, the antenna reduces the voltage standing wave ratio and increases the gain. Applying this antenna to ultracold Rb-87 atomic experiments, they achieve a Rabi frequency of the oscillation between the hyperfine levels.