Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Optics Communications

Guiding a cold atomic beam along a co-propagating and oblique hollow light guide

D. P. Rhodes, Gavin P. T. Lancaster, J. Livesey, David McGloin, Jochen Arlt, Kishan Dholakia

Published Dec 1, 2002• 42 citations
Publisher
DOI
10.1016/s0030-4018(02)02130-2

Related papers

Guiding of cold atoms through a radial-polarized hollow beam

Hiroki Hirano, Kazuki Horiguchi, Hi Tou +1 more

The Japan Society of Applied Physics•Feb 8, 2018•0 citations

Guiding and Trapping of Cold Rb Atoms with a Hollow Laser Beams

Xinye Xu, Kihwan Kim, Wonho Jhe

Journal of the Korean Physical Society•Nov 1, 2000•3 citations

Laser Guiding Of Atoms In A Dark Hollow Beam

Yin Yin, Nob, Lee +3 more

Quantum Electronics and Laser Science Conference•Jan 1, 1997•0 citations

Experimental studies of cold atom guiding using hollow light beams

D. P. Rhodes

This thesis is concerned with the guiding of cold atoms using optical forces, which is of great importance in the field of atom optics. Atomic beams can be used for precision sensor equipment, building nano-scale structures, construction of quantum computers and to further the understanding of the properties of atoms. Atoms are guided along light beams using the dipole force; there are two regimes under which this force works. Typically red-detuned guides are used (atoms are attracted towards the light) such guides, however, require large detuning and high powers. In this thesis we investigate the use of blue-detuned (atoms are repelled from the light) hollow light beams of moderate power (a few hundred mW) and confine atoms in the dark centre of the beams. Several magneto-optical traps (MOTs) have been constructed to exploit different guiding geometries. Hollow beams have been generated using a variety of methods; in particular the use of a computer controlled spatial light modulator (SLM) has provided great versatility and simplicity to the experimental arrangements. First, experiments were performed with a low-velocity intense source (LVIS) of atoms. A co-linear LG beam significantly enhances the observed flux, however, considerable difficulties are encountered loading atoms into oblique guides. Imaging a hole in the walls of the light tube was used to improve the loading efficiency. Second, guiding a free-falling atom cloud is performed using a non-diffracting Bessel beam. It is found that while the potential of the Bessel beam is steeper than equivalent LG beams the power distribution across the beam severely limits its usefulness. The next study investigated higher-order LG guide beams generated with an SLM. High order modes have a narrower profile so confine the atoms with less interaction with the guide beam, leading to a more natural guide (as opposed to a pushing force). Finally the SLM was used to create non-trivial beam shapes for beam splitters and interferometers.

•Jan 1, 2005•0 citations

Efficient optical guiding of trapped cold atoms by a hollow laser beam

Xinye Xu, Kihwan Kim, Wonho Jhe +1 more

We present an experimental and theoretical study of efficient optical guiding of trapped cold atoms by a blue-detuned hollow laser beam. We have measured the atomic guiding efficiency with respect to the propagation direction of the hollow beam, which is in good agreement with numerical analysis. In particular, using a copropagating guide laser, we have obtained 20-fold enhancement of atom guiding with a guiding efficiency of 50%. Simulation shows that the efficiency can be increased to 80% with an improved hollow beam mode. The possibility of coherent atom guiding is also discussed.

Physical Review A•May 4, 2001•71 citations

Laser Guiding Of Atoms In A Dark Hollow Beam

Jia-Jing Yin, Harada Nob., K.I. Lee +3 more

Quantum Electronics and Laser Science Conference•May 18, 1997•0 citations
This thesis is concerned with the guiding of cold atoms using optical forces, which is of great importance in the field of atom optics. Atomic beams can be used for precision sensor equipment, building nano-scale structures, construction of quantum computers and to further the understanding of the properties of atoms. Atoms are guided along light beams using the dipole force; there are two regimes under which this force works. Typically red-detuned guides are used (atoms are attracted towards the light) such guides, however, require large detuning and high powers. In this thesis we investigate the use of blue-detuned (atoms are repelled from the light) hollow light beams of moderate power (a few hundred mW) and confine atoms in the dark centre of the beams. Several magneto-optical traps (MOTs) have been constructed to exploit different guiding geometries. Hollow beams have been generated using a variety of methods; in particular the use of a computer controlled spatial light modulator (SLM) has provided great versatility and simplicity to the experimental arrangements. First, experiments were performed with a low-velocity intense source (LVIS) of atoms. A co-linear LG beam significantly enhances the observed flux, however, considerable difficulties are encountered loading atoms into oblique guides. Imaging a hole in the walls of the light tube was used to improve the loading efficiency. Second, guiding a free-falling atom cloud is performed using a non-diffracting Bessel beam. It is found that while the potential of the Bessel beam is steeper than equivalent LG beams the power distribution across the beam severely limits its usefulness. The next study investigated higher-order LG guide beams generated with an SLM. High order modes have a narrower profile so confine the atoms with less interaction with the guide beam, leading to a more natural guide (as opposed to a pushing force). Finally the SLM was used to create non-trivial beam shapes for beam splitters and interferometers.
We present an experimental and theoretical study of efficient optical guiding of trapped cold atoms by a blue-detuned hollow laser beam. We have measured the atomic guiding efficiency with respect to the propagation direction of the hollow beam, which is in good agreement with numerical analysis. In particular, using a copropagating guide laser, we have obtained 20-fold enhancement of atom guiding with a guiding efficiency of 50%. Simulation shows that the efficiency can be increased to 80% with an improved hollow beam mode. The possibility of coherent atom guiding is also discussed.