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Single-beam, dark toroidal optical traps for cold atoms

Fredrik K. Fatemi, Spencer E. Olson, Mark Bashkansky +2 more

We demonstrate the generation of single-beam dark toroidal optical intensity distributions, which are of interest for neutral atom storage and atom interferometry. We demonstrate experimentally and numerically optical potentials that contain a ring-shaped intensity minimum, bounded in all directions by higher intensity. We use a spatial light modulator to alter the phase of an incident laser beam, and analyze the resulting optical propagation characteristics. For small toroidal traps (< 50 &mgr;m diameter), we find an optimal superposition of Laguerre-Gaussian modes that allows the formation of single-beam toroidal traps. We generate larger toroidal bottle traps by focusing hollow beams with toroidal lenses imprinted onto the spatial light modulator.We demonstrate the generation of single-beam dark toroidal optical intensity distributions, which are of interest for neutral atom storage and atom interferometry. We demonstrate experimentally and numerically optical potentials that contain a ring-shaped intensity minimum, bounded in all directions by higher intensity. We use a spatial light modulator to alter the phase of an incident laser beam, and analyze the resulting optical propagation characteristics. For small toroidal traps (< 50 &mgr;m diameter), we find an optimal superposition of Laguerre-Gaussian modes that allows the formation of single-beam toroidal traps. We generate larger toroidal bottle traps by focusing hollow beams with toroidal lenses imprinted onto the spatial light modulator.

Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIEFeb 8, 20070 citations

Dark Optical Traps for Cold Atoms

Nir Friedman, Ariel Kaplan, Nir Davidson

Advances in atomic, molecular, and optical physicsJan 1, 200295 citations

Ultra high densities of cold atoms in a holographically controlled dark SPOT trap

Neal Radwell, Graeme Walker, Sonja Franke‐Arnold

We demonstrate an atom trap geometry for 87Rb which is capable of producing ultra high atom densities. Reradiation forces, which usually limit high densities, can be avoided in dark spontaneous-force optical traps (dark SPOTs) by sheltering atoms from intense trapping light. Here we demonstrate a dynamic implementation of a dark SPOT, resulting in an increase in atom density by almost two orders of magnitude up to 1.3x10^12cm-3. Holographic control of the trapping beams and dynamic switching between MOT and dark SPOT configuration allows us to optimise the trapping geometry. We have identified the ideal size of the dark core to be six times larger than the MOT. Our method also avoids unwanted heating so that we reach a record phase-space density for a MOT.We demonstrate an atom trap geometry for 87Rb which is capable of producing ultra high atom densities. Reradiation forces, which usually limit high densities, can be avoided in dark spontaneous-force optical traps (dark SPOTs) by sheltering atoms from intense trapping light. Here we demonstrate a dynamic implementation of a dark SPOT, resulting in an increase in atom density by almost two orders of magnitude up to 1.3x10^12cm-3. Holographic control of the trapping beams and dynamic switching between MOT and dark SPOT configuration allows us to optimise the trapping geometry. We have identified the ideal size of the dark core to be six times larger than the MOT. Our method also avoids unwanted heating so that we reach a record phase-space density for a MOT.

arXiv:1308.4586Aug 21, 20130 citations

Development of optical traps for cold atoms

M. L. Miguez, Ph. W. Courteille

ResumosJan 1, 20130 citations

Generation of a dark hollow beam by a four-step phase plate and its application for manipulating cold atoms

Ji Xian-Ming, Renwang Mu, Jinghuai Fang +2 more

In this paper, we propose a new scheme to generate a dark hollow-beam, which includes dark hollow-beam optical pipe and hollow-beam optical dipole trap, through using a system composed of a four steps phase plate and a spherical lens. This kind of light beam can be used to focus, guide and trap the cold atom. We also calculate the intensity distributing and characteristic parameters of a dark hollow-beam and the optical dipole potential which manipulate the cold atoms of 85Rb. At last, we analyze and demonstrate the experimental feasibility of the scheme.In this paper, we propose a new scheme to generate a dark hollow-beam, which includes dark hollow-beam optical pipe and hollow-beam optical dipole trap, through using a system composed of a four steps phase plate and a spherical lens. This kind of light beam can be used to focus, guide and trap the cold atom. We also calculate the intensity distributing and characteristic parameters of a dark hollow-beam and the optical dipole potential which manipulate the cold atoms of 85Rb. At last, we analyze and demonstrate the experimental feasibility of the scheme.

Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIEJan 11, 20052 citations

Slow-light nonlinear optics with cold atoms

Yifu Zhu

Bulletin of the American Physical SocietyNov 11, 20050 citations

Towards higher densities of cold atoms: intense slow atom beams and dark light traps

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