Isotope separation in a magneto-optical trap

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Abstract
We demonstrate simultaneous trapping and spatial separation of the two stable rubidiumisotopes in a magneto‐optical trap. To realize this novel type of isotope separation, we have built a compact diode laser which is frequency‐stabilized by optical feedback from a diffraction grating, and frequency‐modulated by a direct microwave modulation of the bias current from a yittrium irongarnet tuned oscillator. Use of the single diode laser with microwave sidebands provides much ease and flexibility in the applications of a magneto‐optical trap.