Bose-Einstein condensation of rubidium atoms in a triaxial TOP trap

Abstract

We report the results of experiments with Bose-Einstein condensates of rubidium atoms in a triaxial TOP trap, presenting measurements of the condensate fraction and the free expansion of a condensate released from the trap. The experimental apparatus and the methods used to calibrate the magnetic trapping fields are discussed in derail. Furthermore, we compare the performance of our apparatus with other TOP traps and discuss possible limiting factors for the size of condensates achievable in such traps.