Journal of Optics B Quantum and Semiclassical Optics
Diffracted field distributions from the HE11mode in a hollow optical fibre for an atomic funnel
Yun Ni, Nanchun Liu, Jianping Yin
Abstract
The diffracted near field distribution from an LP 01 mode in a hollow optical fibre was recently calculated using a scalar model based on the weakly waveguiding approximation (Yoo et al 1999 J. Opt. B: Quantum Semiclass. Opt. 1 364 ). It showed a dominant Gaussian-like distribution with an increased axial intensity in the central region (not a doughnut-like distribution), so the diffracted output beam from the hollow fibre cannot be used to form an atomic funnel. Using exact solutions of the Maxwell equations based on a vector model, however, we calculate the electric field and intensity distributions of the HE 11 mode in the same hollow fibre and study the diffracted near- and far-field distributions of the HE 11 -mode output beam under the Fresnel approximation. We analyse and compare the differences between the output beams from the HE 11 and LP 01 modes. Our study shows that both the near- and far-field intensity distributions of the HE 11 -mode output beam are doughnut-like and can be used to form a simple atomic funnel. However, it is not suitable to use the weakly waveguiding approximation to calculate the diffracted near-field distribution of the hollow fibre due to the greater refractive-index difference between the hollow region ( n 0 = 1) and the core ( n 1 = 1.45 or 1.5). Finally, the 3D intensity distribution of the HE 11 -mode output beam is modelled and the corresponding optical potentials for cold atoms are calculated. Some potential applications of the HE 11 -mode output beam in an atomic guide and funnel are briefly discussed.