Compact setup for the production of 87Rb |F=2, mF =+2⟩ Bose-Einstein condensates in a hybrid trap

We present a compact experimental apparatus for Bose-Einstein condensation of Rb-87 in the vertical bar F = 2, m(F) = +2 > state. A pre-cooled atomic beam of Rb-87 is obtained by using an unbalanced magneto-optical trap, allowing controlled transfer of trapped atoms from the first vacuum chamber to the science chamber. Here, atoms are transferred to a hybrid trap, as produced by overlapping a magnetic quadrupole trap with a far-detuned optical trap with crossed beam configuration, where forced radiofrequency evaporation is realized. The final evaporation leading to Bose-Einstein condensation is then performed by exponentially lowering the optical trap depth. Control and stabilization systems of the optical trap beams are discussed in detail. The setup reliably produces a pure condensate in the vertical bar F = 2, m(F) = +2 > state in 50 s, which includes 33 s loading of the science magneto-optical trap and 17 s forced evaporation. Published by AIP Publishing.