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

An optical storage ring for trapping cold molecules generated by a reflective metasurface

Sheng-Qiang Li, Xue Chen, Yong Xia

Published Jan 15, 2026• 0 citations
Publisher
DOI
10.1016/j.optcom.2026.132916

Related papers

Double-Layer Optical-Trap Arrays for Trapping Cold Atoms or Molecules

沐仁旺 Mu Renwang, 纪宪明 Ji Xianming, 印建平 Yin Jianping

Acta Optica Sinica•Jan 1, 2009•0 citations

Generation of a blue-detuned optical storage ring by a metasurface and its application in optical trapping of cold molecules

Chen Ling, Yaling Yin, Yang Liu +2 more

A scheme for storage of cold molecules in a hollow optical ring generated by a metasurface grating is proposed. The characteristics and intensity distribution related to the ring’s structural parameters and fabrication error tolerance are theoretically studied. The optical potential and dipole force required for the ring to trap magnesium monofluoride (MgF) molecules are also calculated. The dynamic behavior of MgF molecules in the storage ring is simulated by a Monte Carlo method, which shows that a metasurface-based optical storage ring can be used to trap molecules and is an interesting platform for research into ultracold quantum gases and their quantum-state manipulation.

Chinese Physics B•May 7, 2022•6 citations

An Improved Hollow Optical Trap for Cold Atoms (Molecules) with Phase Modulation

陈丽雅 Chen Liya, 印建平 Yin Jianping

Acta Optica Sinica•Jan 1, 2010•0 citations

Controllable electrostatic surface storage ring with opened optical access for cold polar molecules on a chip

Shengqiang Li, Liang Xu, Lianzhong Deng +1 more

In order to meet the demands for laser manipulations and detection of cold molecules, we propose an optically accessible and controllable electrostatic surface storage ring for cold polar molecules on a chip, which is one based on extension and application of the three-wire surface guiding scheme [J. Opt. Soc. Am. B25, 1214 (2008)]. To our knowledge, this is the first real surface storage ring scheme. The spatial distribution of the electrostatic fields generated by two insulator-embedded charged rings and a grounded conductor plate is numerically calculated. Relationships between the height of the trap center above the surface and the setup parameters are analyzed in detail. Using OH radical molecules as a tester, the range of molecular velocities that the storage ring can confine is investigated. The dynamical process of weak-field-seeking OH molecules of state |J,KM〉=|3/2,−9/4〉 being loaded into and confined in the storage ring is studied using Monte Carlo simulations. Dependencies of translational temperature of molecules and their trapping efficiency in the storage ring on parameters of the setup and the initial molecular beam are examined. By incorporating a bunching function into our scheme, the number of round trips a trapped molecular packet makes can be improved by almost three times before getting spread out to fill the whole storage ring, as confirmed by numerical simulations.

Journal of the Optical Society of America B•Dec 13, 2013•6 citations

Generation of stable ultraviolet optical ring lattices using monolithic AlN metasurfaces for cooling atoms

Xiaobin Yu, Yanan Guo, Zhibin Liu +4 more

Optical ring lattices containing multiple optical traps in a ring configuration have gradually evolved into indispensable tools in cold atom experiments. However, the conventional methods for generating optical ring lattices require bulky apparatus and work at a limited wavelength range. Recently, metasurfaces have emerged as promising ultra-compact platforms for the implementation of optical ring lattices. Here, we report the generation of ultraviolet optical ring lattices using monolithic AlN metasurfaces. The feasibility of trapping atom and atom-like systems in the optical ring lattices is validated through theoretical calculation of the optical forces using the dipole model. The adoption of AlN metasurfaces can reduce the size and cost of generating optical ring lattices and thus give rise to diverse applications such as transportable atom clocks.

Optical Materials Express•Mar 27, 2024•4 citations

A prototype storage ring for neutral molecules

Floris M. H. Crompvoets, Hendrick L. Bethlem, Rienk T. Jongma +1 more

Nature•May 1, 2001•175 citations
A scheme for storage of cold molecules in a hollow optical ring generated by a metasurface grating is proposed. The characteristics and intensity distribution related to the ring’s structural parameters and fabrication error tolerance are theoretically studied. The optical potential and dipole force required for the ring to trap magnesium monofluoride (MgF) molecules are also calculated. The dynamic behavior of MgF molecules in the storage ring is simulated by a Monte Carlo method, which shows that a metasurface-based optical storage ring can be used to trap molecules and is an interesting platform for research into ultracold quantum gases and their quantum-state manipulation.
In order to meet the demands for laser manipulations and detection of cold molecules, we propose an optically accessible and controllable electrostatic surface storage ring for cold polar molecules on a chip, which is one based on extension and application of the three-wire surface guiding scheme [J. Opt. Soc. Am. B25, 1214 (2008)]. To our knowledge, this is the first real surface storage ring scheme. The spatial distribution of the electrostatic fields generated by two insulator-embedded charged rings and a grounded conductor plate is numerically calculated. Relationships between the height of the trap center above the surface and the setup parameters are analyzed in detail. Using OH radical molecules as a tester, the range of molecular velocities that the storage ring can confine is investigated. The dynamical process of weak-field-seeking OH molecules of state |J,KM〉=|3/2,−9/4〉 being loaded into and confined in the storage ring is studied using Monte Carlo simulations. Dependencies of translational temperature of molecules and their trapping efficiency in the storage ring on parameters of the setup and the initial molecular beam are examined. By incorporating a bunching function into our scheme, the number of round trips a trapped molecular packet makes can be improved by almost three times before getting spread out to fill the whole storage ring, as confirmed by numerical simulations.
Optical ring lattices containing multiple optical traps in a ring configuration have gradually evolved into indispensable tools in cold atom experiments. However, the conventional methods for generating optical ring lattices require bulky apparatus and work at a limited wavelength range. Recently, metasurfaces have emerged as promising ultra-compact platforms for the implementation of optical ring lattices. Here, we report the generation of ultraviolet optical ring lattices using monolithic AlN metasurfaces. The feasibility of trapping atom and atom-like systems in the optical ring lattices is validated through theoretical calculation of the optical forces using the dipole model. The adoption of AlN metasurfaces can reduce the size and cost of generating optical ring lattices and thus give rise to diverse applications such as transportable atom clocks.