SIMPLIFIED ATOM TRAP BY USING DIRECT MICROWAVE MODULATION OF A DIODE-LASER

We demonstrate direct microwave modulation of diode lasers operated with optical feedback from a diffraction grating. We obtain substantial fractions of the laser power (2-30%) in a single sideband at frequencies as high as 6.8 GHz with 20 mW of microwave power and simple inefficient microwave coupling. Using a single diode laser modulated at 6.6 GHz, we trapped Rb-87 atoms in a vapor cell. With only 10 mW of microwave power we trapped 85% as many atoms as were obtained by using two lasers in the conventional manner.