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Journal of the Optical Society of America B

Laser beams with embedded vortices: tools for atom optics

Narupon Chattrapiban, Elizabeth A. Rogers, Ilya Arakelyan, Rajarshi Roy, W. T. Hill

Published Jan 1, 2006• 26 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Two-dimensional spatial light modulators have been employed to create static and dynamic phase masks for embedding multiple vortices and exotic intensity-void structures in laser beams. A variety of patterns of singularities, producing dark longitudinal and transverse intensity channels, have been created. The uniformity, quality, and suitability of these patterns as elements for atom optics (e.g., atom-tunnel beam splitters) have been studied as a function of the phase quantization level and spatial resolution of the phase mask. Specifically, we show that (1) high-quality modes, those that propagate long distances and can be focused, can be generated when the number of phase steps between 0 and 2pi on the phase mask exceed four and (2) atom confinement increases with the charge of the vortex.

DOI
10.1364/josab.23.000094

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Two-dimensional spatial light modulators have been employed to create static and dynamic phase masks for embedding multiple vortices and exotic intensity-void structures in laser beams. A variety of patterns of singularities, producing dark longitudinal and transverse intensity channels, have been created. The uniformity, quality, and suitability of these patterns as elements for atom optics (e.g., atom-tunnel beam splitters) have been studied as a function of the phase quantization level and spatial resolution of the phase mask. Specifically, we show that (1) high-quality modes, those that propagate long distances and can be focused, can be generated when the number of phase steps between 0 and 2pi on the phase mask exceed four and (2) atom confinement increases with the charge of the vortex.
Abstract One of the essential requirements for atom-based technology is controlling the position and characterizing interactions between atoms and their environment. Optical tweezers are crucial for positioning atoms precisely. Typically, quantum technology research utilizes two-dimensional optical tweezers planar arrays, which are limited in manipulating atoms at different depths of field. To address this issue, three-dimensional optical tweezers can be simulated using a modulated phase mask of a Gaussian laser beam. The phase mask is computed using the direct phase addition (DPA) method with a weight factor, and the angular spectrum method (ASM) is employed to propagate a 2D intensity pattern transversely through the beam, layer by layer. Our results showed that the position of each trap can be adjusted to desire positions in 3D with a global weight factor. Furthermore, our analysis demonstrates that increasing resolution improves measurement precision. Utilizing 3D atom arrays enhances quantum simulation capabilities, providing better insights into complex phenomena. The results of this investigation will be applied to a spatial light modulator in a real setup for an ultra-cold atom trapping experiment.
The concept that all de Broglie particles can form vortex beams is analyzed for neutral atoms. It is shown how atoms diffracted from a suitably constructed optical mask configuration employing light of lll units of orbital angular momentum and at far-off resonance with an atomic transition can lead to the generation of a discrete set of atom vortex beams each endowed with the property of quantized orbital angular momentum about the beam axis in units of $\ensuremath{\hbar}l$. Selection criteria of atom vortex beams are derived and the functioning of the mask configuration for angular dispersion of beams in terms of de Broglie wavelength is analyzed. Prospects of applications in the areas of atom interferometry and dispersion, and quantum information processing via atom vortices are pointed out.
We report the generation of a crossed, focused, optical vortex beam by using a pair of hybrid holograms, which combine the vortex phase and lens phase onto a spatial light modulator. We study the intensity distributions of the vortex beam in free propagation space, and the relationship of its dark spot size with the incident Gaussian beam’s waist, the lens’s focal length, and its orbital angular momentum. Our results show that the crossed, focused, vortex beam’s dark spot size can be as small as 16.3 μm and adjustable by the quantum number of the orbital angular momentum, and can be used to increase the density of trapped molecules. Furthermore, we calculate the optical potential of the blue-detuned, crossed vortex beam for MgF molecules. It is applicable to cool and trap neutral molecules by intensity-gradient-induced Sisyphus cooling, as the intensity gradient of such vortex beam is extremely high near the focal point.
We discuss the application of spatial light modulators (SLMs) to the field of atom optics. We show that SLMs may be used to generate a wide variety of optical potentials that are useful for the guiding and dipole trapping of atoms. This functionality is demonstrated by the production of a number of different light potentials using a single SLM device. These include Mach-Zender interferometer patterns and the generation of a bottle-beam. We also discuss the current limitations in SLM technology with regard to the generation of both static and dynamically deformed potentials and their use in atom optics.
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.