Journal of the Optical Society of America B
Characterization of a tunable, single-beam ponderomotive-optical trap
Jan L. Chaloupka, David D. Meyerhofer
Abstract
The generation and numerical and optical characterization of a single-beam, ponderomotive-optical trap are discussed. A novel segmented wave-plate technique is described, and experimental results of the trap formation are presented. Several methods to tune the traps are discussed, including techniques to realize a bright trap for dark-seeking electrons. The effects of non-Gaussian incident beams and beams with phase aberrations on trap formation are also described.