A novel magneto optical trap for integrated atom chips

This thesis describes the design and construction of a new magneto optical trap that is suitable for use in integrated atom chips and other vacuum systems in which optical access is limited to a single window. The trap design relies on the switching of optical and magnetic fields and can operate at frequencies at least within the region of 1 kHz to 60 kHz. The design does not need patterned surfaces in order to generate the necessary beam geometry, requiring only the use of a single, standard mirror. Early temperature measurements have indicated that the trap may be capable of sub-Doppler cooling, and that it is able to capture on the order of 1.7 x 106 atoms in a capture volume of 0.18 cm3.