We aim to widen the range of quantum simulations with cold atoms, by investigating phenomena arising from the long-ranged dipolar interaction in reduced dimensionalities. We are operating a new experimental setup based on quantum gases of the highly magnetic Dysprosium atoms. This is a joint project between LENS and CNR-INO, Sezione di Pisa.

MOT is observed and characterized

We realize a magneto-optical trap for 162Dy atoms on the intermediate linewidth transition at 626 nm. We trap over 2✕108 atoms at temperatures as low as 20 μK in 5 seconds. We observe the best loading at large detuning, -35Γ. Under these operating conditions, MOT forms below the quadrupole centre and the MOT light acts as optical pumping as well.

E. Lucioni et al.
A new setup for experiments with ultracold Dysprosium atoms
Eur. Phys. J. Spec. Top. 226, 2775 (2017)