title: Velocity-specific atomic-state selection in an atomic beam by continuous-wave optical pumping.
abstract: We present experimental results demonstrating strong velocity-distribution modification in a specific atomic state using optical pumping between hyperfine split levels. These results show that the velocity of a specific state can be defined within 6%, corresponding to a local temperature of 1 K. The velocity-specific-state selection is accomplished by using a nearly effusive atomic beam of sodium and a single frequency-stabilized dye laser.
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Steel
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: McFarlane