A compact magneto-optical trap apparatus for calcium

We present a compact apparatus for laser cooling and trapping of atomic calcium. The set-up consisting of a Zeeman-slowed thermal beam and a magneto-optical trap (MOT) has potential use for studying optical lattices, optical clocks, sensitive trace analysis, ultra-cold collisions and the feasibility of achieving quantum degeneracy in an alkaline earth element. Construction of the apparatus is described as well as the characterization of the trap in terms of atom number and lifetime. The lifetime results are compared with a rate equation model for the system.