We have studied laser collimation of a chromium atomic beam using a transverse polarization gradient cooling scheme. We present detailed measurements of the angular distribution of atoms on the beam axis, over a broad range of laser intensities and detunings, including those that produce significant excitation, and observe collimation angles as small as 0.16±0.01 mrad (50% quantile). We compare our results with existing calculations based on assumptions of steady-state conditions and low excited-state population.

• Received 19 August 1996

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.55.1331