Evanescent Waves: From Newtonian Optics to Atomic Optics

Frédärique de Fornel

Gordon, Daniel

Zhengling Wang, Cao Guo-rong, Yin Jian-Ping +1 more

We propose a novel scheme to form a 2D surface array of optical micro-traps of cold atoms by using two sets of far red-detuned evanescent wave interference and a blue-detuned evanescent wave. The optical potentials of the 2D surface array of optical micro-traps are high enough to trap cold atoms released from the standard magneto-optical trap，and 87Rb atoms trapped in the array of optical micro-traps can be cooled to 2.56μK with efficient intensity-gradient Sisyphus cooling. Our study shows that the proposed 2D surface array of optical micro-traps can be used in atomic physics，atomic optics, quantum optics and so on.

Yuri B Ovchinnikov, Folly Eli Ayi-Yovo

Abstract Coherent guiding of atoms in two-colour evanescent light fields of two fundamental modes of suspended optical rib waveguides is investigated theoretically. Special attention is paid to waveguides of widths larger than the wavelength of light, which provide better lateral stability of the surface traps and waveguides, and can be used in coherent Bragg beam splitters for matter waves, based on optical gratings formed by interference of evanescent light waves of two crossed optical waveguides. A single-mode regime for evanescent-wave waveguides for atoms is investigated. The general structure and key elements of all-optical atom chips are discussed.

Harold J. Metcalf, P. van der Straten

Michael J. Renn, Elizabeth A. Donley, Eric Cornell +2 more