Single-atom detection of calcium isotopes by atom-trap trace analysis

We demonstrate a combination of an isotopically purified atom beam and a magneto-optical trap which enables single-atom detection of all stable isotopes of calcium (40, 42, 43, 44, 46, and 48). These isotopes range in abundance from 96.9% (Ca-40) to 0.004% (Ca-46). The trap is loaded from an atomic beam which is decelerated in a Zeeman slower and subsequently deflected over an angle of 30degrees by optical molasses. The isotope selectivity of the Zeeman slower and the deflection stage is investigated experimentally and compared with Monte Carlo simulations.