Observation and analysis of the center-of-mass position trajectory for trapped ultracold atoms
Zhi-Xin 志鑫 Duan 段, Rufang Zhao, WU Weitao +1 more
Abstract Optical dipole traps are indispensable tools in ultracold atomic physics, and precise understanding and control of atomic dynamics within the traps are critically important. Here, applying a magnetic gradient to perturb dipole-trapped ultracold atoms, we investigate the trajectory of the center of mass positions (CoMPs) when atoms are either in a single spin state (| F = 1, m F = −1〉) or in the pseudospin-mixed states (| F = 1, m F = −1〉 and | F = 1, m F = 0〉). Unlike just treating the conventional time-of-flight (TOF) imaging as atomic momentum distribution, we present a methodology in-depth for accurate information about the atomic spatial trajectory evolution. This approach circumvents the need for complex and resource-intensive in-situ high-resolution imaging, broadening the accessibility of dynamic studies, and trap characterization across ultracold atoms. It can be directly used for fine-calibrating parameters of the trap potential and studying the atomic dynamical evolution, which will benefit various research areas of ultracold atoms.
Chinese Physics B•Oct 22, 2025•0 citations