Characterization and manipulation of a high-magnetic field trap

We report on the characterization of an efficient atom trap within a background magnetic field of 2.6 Tesla. Up to 10\^{}8 Rubidium atoms are recaptured from a cold atomic beam with a 2-3{\%} collection efficiency, in a cigar-shaped volume and cooled with a six-beam optical molasses. The aspect ratio of the trap is measured as a function of the magnetic field curvature, which can be varied to produce a range of trap shapes. The trapping lineshape is both narrow and asymmetric, as is characteristic of laser-cooling of atoms or ions in an external trapping potential. Additional features of the high magnetic field trap include cooling onto hollow shell-like structures. Simulation results are also presented.