A method of stably trapping, cooling, and manipulating atoms on a continuous-wave basis is proposed using resonance radiation pressure forces. Use of highly focused laser beams and atomic beam injection should give a very deep trap for confining single atoms or gases at temperatures ∼ ${10}^{-6\mathrm{}}$ °K. An analysis of the saturation properties of radiation pressure forces is given.

• Received 17 October 1977

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.40.729