Optical accordion lattices are routinely used in quantum simulation and quantum computation experiments to tune optical lattice spacings. Here, we present a technique for creating tunable optical lattices using binary-phase transmission gratings. Lattices generated using this technique have high uniformity, contrast, lattice spacing tunability, and power efficiencies. These attributes are crucial for exploring collective quantum phenomena in highly ordered atomic arrays coupled to optical waveguides for quantum networking and quantum simulation. In this paper, we demonstrate adjustable-period lattices that are ideally suited for use with optical nanofibers.Optical accordion lattices are routinely used in quantum simulation and quantum computation experiments to tune optical lattice spacings. Here, we present a technique for creating tunable optical lattices using binary-phase transmission gratings. Lattices generated using this technique have high uniformity, contrast, lattice spacing tunability, and power efficiencies. These attributes are crucial for exploring collective quantum phenomena in highly ordered atomic arrays coupled to optical waveguides for quantum networking and quantum simulation. In this paper, we demonstrate adjustable-period lattices that are ideally suited for use with optical nanofibers.

arXiv:2410.06301Oct 8, 20240 citations

Loading and compression of a single 2D Bose gas in an optical accordion

Jean-Loup Ville, Tom Bienaimé, R. Saint-Jalm +8 more

The experimental realization of 2D Bose gases with a tunable interaction strength is an important challenge for the study of ultracold quantum matter. Here we report on the realization of an optical accordion creating a lattice potential with a spacing that can be dynamically tuned between 11 $\,\mu$ m and 2 $\,\mu$ m. We show that we can load ultracold $^{87}$ Rb atoms into a single node of this optical lattice in the large spacing configuration and then decrease nearly adiabatically the spacing to reach a strong harmonic confinement with frequencies larger than $\omega_z/2\pi=10\,$ kHz. Atoms are trapped in an additional flat-bottom in-plane potential that is shaped with a high resolution. By combining these tools we create custom-shaped uniform 2D Bose gases with tunable confinement along the transverse direction and hence with a tunable interaction strength.The experimental realization of 2D Bose gases with a tunable interaction strength is an important challenge for the study of ultracold quantum matter. Here we report on the realization of an optical accordion creating a lattice potential with a spacing that can be dynamically tuned between 11$\,\mu$m and 2$\,\mu$m. We show that we can load ultracold $^{87}$Rb atoms into a single node of this optical lattice in the large spacing configuration and then decrease nearly adiabatically the spacing to reach a strong harmonic confinement with frequencies larger than $\omega_z/2\pi=10\,$kHz. Atoms are trapped in an additional flat-bottom in-plane potential that is shaped with a high resolution. By combining these tools we create custom-shaped uniform 2D Bose gases with tunable confinement along the transverse direction and hence with a tunable interaction strength.

Nov 23, 20160 citations

Wavelength-limited optical accordion

Junheng Tao, Yuzhuo Wang, Yizun He +1 more

We demonstrate a method to create dynamic optical lattices with lattice constant tunable down to the optical wavelength limit. The periodicity of 1D lattice is to be adjusted by rotating the incoming direction of one of the two interfering laser beams with its fiber port. The relative phase between the stationary and rotating lasers are stabilized with a heterodyne phase-lock loop (Ma et al, Opt. Lett. 19, 1777, 1994), by reflecting part of the rotating laser beam back from a cylindrical mirror near the experiment. Our preliminary demonstration shows tuning of lattice constant λ2sinθ/2, limited by our imaging resolution, between θ = 3° and 20°, with stable and tunable phase. The results can be extended to achieve lattice constant tuning range from ∼ 10λ down to λ/2. We discuss extension of the demonstrated scheme for improved vibration suppression, and for lattice utilizing broadband lasers. Finally we propose a 2D accordion lattice design for quantum gas experiments.We demonstrate a method to create dynamic optical lattices with lattice constant tunable down to the optical wavelength limit. The periodicity of 1D lattice is to be adjusted by rotating the incoming direction of one of the two interfering laser beams with its fiber port. The relative phase between the stationary and rotating lasers are stabilized with a heterodyne phase-lock loop (Ma et al, Opt. Lett. 19, 1777, 1994), by reflecting part of the rotating laser beam back from a cylindrical mirror near the experiment. Our preliminary demonstration shows tuning of lattice constant λ2sinθ/2, limited by our imaging resolution, between θ = 3° and 20°, with stable and tunable phase. The results can be extended to achieve lattice constant tuning range from ∼ 10λ down to λ/2. We discuss extension of the demonstrated scheme for improved vibration suppression, and for lattice utilizing broadband lasers. Finally we propose a 2D accordion lattice design for quantum gas experiments.

Optics ExpressMay 22, 20186 citations

Loading and compression of a single two-dimensional Bose gas in an optical accordion

Jean-Loup Ville, Tom Bienaimé, R. Saint-Jalm +8 more

The experimental realization of two-dimensional (2D) Bose gases with a tunable interaction strength is an important challenge for the study of ultracold quantum matter. Here we report on the realization of an optical accordion creating a lattice potential with a spacing that can be dynamically tuned between 11 and 2 $\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$. We show that we can load ultracold $^{87}\mathrm{Rb}$ atoms into a single node of this optical lattice in the large spacing configuration and then decrease nearly adiabatically the spacing to reach a strong harmonic confinement with frequencies larger than ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{z}/2\ensuremath{\pi}=10$ kHz. Atoms are trapped in an additional flat-bottom in-plane potential that is shaped with a high resolution. By combining these tools we create custom-shaped uniform 2D Bose gases with tunable confinement along the transverse direction and hence with a tunable interaction strength.The experimental realization of two-dimensional (2D) Bose gases with a tunable interaction strength is an important challenge for the study of ultracold quantum matter. Here we report on the realization of an optical accordion creating a lattice potential with a spacing that can be dynamically tuned between 11 and 2 $\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$. We show that we can load ultracold $^{87}\mathrm{Rb}$ atoms into a single node of this optical lattice in the large spacing configuration and then decrease nearly adiabatically the spacing to reach a strong harmonic confinement with frequencies larger than ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{z}/2\ensuremath{\pi}=10$ kHz. Atoms are trapped in an additional flat-bottom in-plane potential that is shaped with a high resolution. By combining these tools we create custom-shaped uniform 2D Bose gases with tunable confinement along the transverse direction and hence with a tunable interaction strength.

arXiv:1611.07681Physical Review AJan 27, 201777 citations

An accordion superlattice for controlling atom separation in optical potentials

Simon Wili, Tilman Esslinger, Konrad Viebahn

Abstract We propose a method for separating trapped atoms in optical lattices by large distances. The key idea is the cyclic transfer of atoms between two lattices of variable spacing, known as accordion lattices, each covering at least a factor of two in lattice spacing. By coherently loading atoms between the two superimposed potentials, we can reach, in principle, arbitrarily large atom separations, while requiring only a relatively small numerical aperture. Numerical simulations of our ‘accordion superlattice’ show that the atoms remain localized to one lattice site throughout the separation process, even for moderate lattice depths. In a proof-of-principle experiment, we demonstrate the optical fields required for the accordion superlattice using acousto-optic deflectors. The method can be applied to neutral-atom quantum computing with optical tweezers, as well as quantum simulation of low-entropy many-body states. For instance, a unit-filling atomic Mott insulator can be coherently expanded by a factor of ten in order to load an optical tweezer array with very high filling. In turn, sorted tweezer arrays can be compressed to form high-density states of ultracold atoms in optical lattices. The method can also be applied to biological systems where dynamical separation of particles is required.Abstract We propose a method for separating trapped atoms in optical lattices by large distances. The key idea is the cyclic transfer of atoms between two lattices of variable spacing, known as accordion lattices, each covering at least a factor of two in lattice spacing. By coherently loading atoms between the two superimposed potentials, we can reach, in principle, arbitrarily large atom separations, while requiring only a relatively small numerical aperture. Numerical simulations of our ‘accordion superlattice’ show that the atoms remain localized to one lattice site throughout the separation process, even for moderate lattice depths. In a proof-of-principle experiment, we demonstrate the optical fields required for the accordion superlattice using acousto-optic deflectors. The method can be applied to neutral-atom quantum computing with optical tweezers, as well as quantum simulation of low-entropy many-body states. For instance, a unit-filling atomic Mott insulator can be coherently expanded by a factor of ten in order to load an optical tweezer array with very high filling. In turn, sorted tweezer arrays can be compressed to form high-density states of ultracold atoms in optical lattices. The method can also be applied to biological systems where dynamical separation of particles is required.

arXiv:2301.04144New Journal of PhysicsMar 1, 20238 citations

Tunable optical lattices for the creation of matter-wave lattice solitons

Robbie Cruickshank, Arthur La Rooij, Ethan F. Kerr +3 more

We present experimental techniques that employ an optical accordion lattice with dynamically tunable spacing to create and study bright matter-wave solitons in optical lattices. The system allows precise control of lattice parameters over a wide range of lattice spacings and depths. We detail calibration methods for the lattice parameters which are adjusted to the varying lattice spacing, and we demonstrate site-resolved atom number preparation via microwave addressing. Lattice solitons are generated through rapid quenches of the atomic interaction strength and the external trapping potential. We systematically optimize the quench parameters, such as duration and final scattering length, to maximize soliton stability. Our results provide insight into nonlinear matter-wave dynamics in discretized systems and establish a versatile platform for the controlled study of lattice solitons.We present experimental techniques that employ an optical accordion lattice with dynamically tunable spacing to create and study bright matter-wave solitons in optical lattices. The system allows precise control of lattice parameters over a wide range of lattice spacings and depths. We detail calibration methods for the lattice parameters which are adjusted to the varying lattice spacing, and we demonstrate site-resolved atom number preparation via microwave addressing. Lattice solitons are generated through rapid quenches of the atomic interaction strength and the external trapping potential. We systematically optimize the quench parameters, such as duration and final scattering length, to maximize soliton stability. Our results provide insight into nonlinear matter-wave dynamics in discretized systems and establish a versatile platform for the controlled study of lattice solitons.

arXiv:2509.22471Optics ExpressDec 5, 20251 citation

\,\mu

m and 2

\,\mu

m. We show that we can load ultracold

^{87}

Rb atoms into a single node of this optical lattice in the large spacing configuration and then decrease nearly adiabatically the spacing to reach a strong harmonic confinement with frequencies larger than

\omega_z/2\pi=10\,

kHz. Atoms are trapped in an additional flat-bottom in-plane potential that is shaped with a high resolution. By combining these tools we create custom-shaped uniform 2D Bose gases with tunable confinement along the transverse direction and hence with a tunable interaction strength.

^{87}\mathrm{Rb}

atoms into a single node of this optical lattice in the large spacing configuration and then decrease nearly adiabatically the spacing to reach a strong harmonic confinement with frequencies larger than ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{z}/2\ensuremath{\pi}=10$ kHz. Atoms are trapped in an additional flat-bottom in-plane potential that is shaped with a high resolution. By combining these tools we create custom-shaped uniform 2D Bose gases with tunable confinement along the transverse direction and hence with a tunable interaction strength.