Continuous extraction mechanisms from a Cs magneto-optical trap

Atomic clocks based on a continuous beam of cold atoms are a promising alternative to fountains mainly because the low atomic density of a beam would reduce collisional shifts to a negligible level; in addition dead times can be suppressed or greatly reduced. Several mechanisms allowing to continuously extract cold atoms from an anisotropic trap will be discussed, in particular atomic drift induced by a constant magnetic field and laser beam imbalance. Experimental results of trap loading times and time-of-flight measurements will be presented to assess the potential of these methods for the production of a continuous beam of cold atoms