Reconfigurable Bitter-type electromagnet for Zeeman slowing.

Abstract

Many Zeeman slower magnets are geometrically captured by a vacuum chamber, preventing modification or repair without breaking the vacuum. We describe a Bitter-type electromagnet coil design that can be easily disassembled, reconfigured, repaired, and replaced without disturbing the vacuum system. This coil, designed to slow lithium atoms, produces a near-ideal field profile with a single DC power supply. With a resistance of 5.7(9) mΩ, an inductance of 8.8(2) μH, and switching times as low as ∼100μs, the coil compares favorably to other designs and can be disassembled, modified, and reassembled repeatedly without loss of performance. With forced-air cooling, the coil experiences moderate heating. This coil design offers greater flexibility than traditional electromagnet designs, and it can be retrofitted onto existing ultra-high vacuum chambers.