We theoretically investigate the feasibility of using intensity distributions of light of a single laser beam diffracted by a circular aperture as optical dipole traps for cold neutral atoms. Localized and cylindrically symmetric traps on the central axis of the circular aperture exist for both blue- and red-detuned laser light. Experimental mapping of the spots of interest using ${\mathrm{CO}}_{2}$ laser light demonstrates the existence of these light distributions for laboratory conditions and their agreement with theoretical predictions.We theoretically investigate the feasibility of using intensity distributions of light of a single laser beam diffracted by a circular aperture as optical dipole traps for cold neutral atoms. Localized and cylindrically symmetric traps on the central axis of the circular aperture exist for both blue- and red-detuned laser light. Experimental mapping of the spots of interest using ${\mathrm{CO}}_{2}$ laser light demonstrates the existence of these light distributions for laboratory conditions and their agreement with theoretical predictions.

Physical Review AJan 20, 200618 citations

Time averaged optical dipole traps for cold atoms

Peyman Ahmadi, Brian P. Timmons, Gil S. Summy

Bulletin of the American Physical SocietyMay 18, 20050 citations

Development of optical traps for cold atoms

M. L. Miguez, Ph. W. Courteille

ResumosJan 1, 20130 citations

Theoretical and experimental study of a novel double-well optical dipole trap for two-species of cold atoms or molecules

Lu Jun-Fa, Qi Zhou, Pan Xiao-Qing +1 more

A novel scheme based on light diffraction to generate a double-well optical trap for trapping and controlling two-species samples of cold atoms or molecules is proposed. Specialized phase modulation similar to the binary phase-grating is implemented in a diffraction device of liquid crystal spatial light modulator (LC-SLM). A continuous and reversible evolution between single-well trap and double-well trap is investigated. Corresponding experiments are performed and the results are in agreement with theories. Our results show that the proposed scheme has a controllability advantage, which is beneficial to the loading and controlling two-species samples in cold atoms or molecules experiments.A novel scheme based on light diffraction to generate a double-well optical trap for trapping and controlling two-species samples of cold atoms or molecules is proposed. Specialized phase modulation similar to the binary phase-grating is implemented in a diffraction device of liquid crystal spatial light modulator (LC-SLM). A continuous and reversible evolution between single-well trap and double-well trap is investigated. Corresponding experiments are performed and the results are in agreement with theories. Our results show that the proposed scheme has a controllability advantage, which is beneficial to the loading and controlling two-species samples in cold atoms or molecules experiments.

Acta Physica SinicaJan 1, 20133 citations

Optical Dipole Traps for Neutral Atoms

Rudolf Grimm, Matthias Weidemüller, Yuri B. Ovchinnikov

Advances in atomic, molecular, and optical physicsJan 1, 20001,549 citations

{\mathrm{CO}}_{2}

laser light demonstrates the existence of these light distributions for laboratory conditions and their agreement with theoretical predictions.