Patent ID: 11221268

Abstract:
A method determines a total velocity average cross-section parameter σtotν in a relationship of the form Γloss(U)=nbσtotν·ƒ(U, Ud), where: Γloss(U) is a rate of exponential loss of sensor atoms from a cold atom sensor trap of trap depth potential energy U in a vacuum environment due to collisions with residual particles in the vacuum environment; nb is a number density of residual particles in the vacuum environment; Ud is a parameter given by which relates the masses of the sensor atoms mt and residual particles mbg to the total velocity average cross-section parameter σtotν; and ƒ(U, Ud) is a function of the trap depth potential energy U and the parameter Ud which models a naturally occurring dependence of the loss rate Γloss(U) on the trap depth potential energy U and the parameter Ud, where ƒ(U=0, Ud) is unity for all Ud.