An atomic marble run to unity phase-space density

So far, BECs and atom lasers have only been demonstrated as the product of a time sequential, pulsed cooling sequence. For applications such as next generation atomic clocks, superradiant lasers or atom interferometers for gravitational wave detection, a steady-state source of degenerate atoms offers great advantages. We present an apparatus that produces a steady-state strontium sample with a phase-space density approaching degeneracy, thus taking a critical step towards demonstrating steady-state atom lasers. Our machine achieves this by simultaneously cooling atoms in spatially separated regions on both the 30-MHz and 7.4-kHz linewidth Sr transitions. We then continuously load a dipole trap where a Stark shift protected dimple collects the coldest atoms. Finally, we demonstrate a new deceleration method that might bridge the gap between the unity phase-space density now demonstrated and an eventual steady-state BEC.