Spectroscopy of cold, trapped atoms

Abstract

We describe the results of the pump-probe spectroscopy performed with 85Rb atoms trapped in a magneto-optical trap (MOT). We show how various processes associated with light-atom interactions shape the observed spectra and how their features can be utilized for obtaining information about properties of cold-atom sample. In particular, we emphasize the important role of the atomic-recoil phenomenon and use it for efficient and reliable velocimetry of the working MOT.