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

arXiv:quant-ph/0210034 · Physical Review Letters

Interferometer-Type Structures for Guided Atoms

Rainer Dumke, T. Müther, Michael Volk, W. Ertmer, G. Birkl

Published Nov 7, 2002• 94 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

We experimentally demonstrate interferometer-type guiding structures for neutral atoms based on dipole potentials created by microfabricated optical systems. As a central element we use an array of atom waveguides being formed by focusing a red-detuned laser beam with an array of cylindrical microlenses. Combining two of these arrays, we realize X-shaped beam splitters and more complex systems like the geometries for Mach-Zehnder and Michelson-type interferometers for atoms.

DOI
10.1103/physrevlett.89.220402

Related papers

A novel beam-splitter for surface wave-guided atoms or molecules

Ji Xian-Ming, Yin Jian-Ping, (1)光谱学与波谱学教育部重点实验室，华东师范大学物理系，上海 200062; (2)南通大学理学院，南通 226007;光谱学与波谱学教育部重点实验室，华东师范大学物理系，上海 200062

We propose a new scheme to form a surface Y- or X-shaped beam splitter for optically wave-guided atoms (or molecules) and its Mach-Zehnder interferometer by using the combination of a binary π phase plate and a micro-cylindrical lens. The physics idea and basic principle of our beam splitter are introduced, and the analytic relationships between the intensity distribution (or the intensity gradient, or the splitting distance, and splitting-path width) and the parameters of our optical system are derived and discussed. The potential applications of the beam splitter and its experimental feasibility are discussed. Our study shows that the design is novel and the scheme is simple, and it can be used to construct various integrated atom- (or molecule-) optical elements with surface micro-structures, and even to form some all-optically integrated atom (or molecular) chips.

Acta Physica Sinica•Jan 1, 2005•0 citations

Atomic quantum systems in optical micro-structures

T. Müther, A. Lengwenus, F. Scharnberg +5 more

We experimentally demonstrate interferometer-type guiding structures for neutral atoms and novel structures for the realization of registers of atomic qubits based on dipole potentials created by micro-fabricated optical systems.

Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics•Jan 1, 2004•0 citations

Coherence Properties of Guided-Atom Interferometers

H. Kreutzmann, Uffe V. Poulsen, Maciej Lewenstein +4 more

We present a detailed theoretical investigation of the coherence properties of beam splitters and Mach-Zehnder interferometers for guided neutral atoms. We show that such a setup permits coherent wave packet splitting and leads to the appearance of interference fringes for both single-mode and thermal input states, evidencing thus the robustness of the interferometer.

arXiv:cond-mat/0309227•Physical Review Letters•Apr 21, 2004•36 citations

Micro-optical Realization of Arrays of Selectively Addressable Dipole Traps: A Scalable Configuration for Quantum Computation with Atomic Qubits

Rainer Dumke, Michael Volk, T. Müther +3 more

We experimentally demonstrate novel structures for the realization of registers of atomic qubits: We trap neutral atoms in one- and two-dimensional arrays of far-detuned dipole traps obtained by focusing a red-detuned laser beam with a microfabricated array of microlenses. We are able to selectively address individual trap sites due to their large lateral separation of 125 microm. We initialize and read out different internal states for the individual sites. We also create two interleaved sets of trap arrays with adjustable separation, as required for many proposed implementations of quantum gate operations.

arXiv:quant-ph/0110140•Physical Review Letters•Aug 8, 2002•223 citations

Guiding Neutral Atoms on a Chip

Nynke H. Dekker, C. S. Lee, V. Lorent +5 more

We demonstrate the guiding of neutral atoms by the magnetic fields due to microfabricated current-carrying wires on a chip. Atoms are guided along a magnetic field minimum parallel to and above the current-carrying wires. Two guide configurations are demonstrated: one using two wires with an external magnetic field, and a second using four wires without an external field. These guide geometries can be extended to integrated atom optics circuits, including beam splitters.

arXiv:physics/9908029•Physical Review Letters•Feb 7, 2000•270 citations

Experimental studies of cold atom guiding using hollow light beams

D. P. Rhodes

This thesis is concerned with the guiding of cold atoms using optical forces, which is of great importance in the field of atom optics. Atomic beams can be used for precision sensor equipment, building nano-scale structures, construction of quantum computers and to further the understanding of the properties of atoms. Atoms are guided along light beams using the dipole force; there are two regimes under which this force works. Typically red-detuned guides are used (atoms are attracted towards the light) such guides, however, require large detuning and high powers. In this thesis we investigate the use of blue-detuned (atoms are repelled from the light) hollow light beams of moderate power (a few hundred mW) and confine atoms in the dark centre of the beams. Several magneto-optical traps (MOTs) have been constructed to exploit different guiding geometries. Hollow beams have been generated using a variety of methods; in particular the use of a computer controlled spatial light modulator (SLM) has provided great versatility and simplicity to the experimental arrangements. First, experiments were performed with a low-velocity intense source (LVIS) of atoms. A co-linear LG beam significantly enhances the observed flux, however, considerable difficulties are encountered loading atoms into oblique guides. Imaging a hole in the walls of the light tube was used to improve the loading efficiency. Second, guiding a free-falling atom cloud is performed using a non-diffracting Bessel beam. It is found that while the potential of the Bessel beam is steeper than equivalent LG beams the power distribution across the beam severely limits its usefulness. The next study investigated higher-order LG guide beams generated with an SLM. High order modes have a narrower profile so confine the atoms with less interaction with the guide beam, leading to a more natural guide (as opposed to a pushing force). Finally the SLM was used to create non-trivial beam shapes for beam splitters and interferometers.

•Jan 1, 2005•0 citations
We experimentally demonstrate interferometer-type guiding structures for neutral atoms based on dipole potentials created by microfabricated optical systems. As a central element we use an array of atom waveguides being formed by focusing a red-detuned laser beam with an array of cylindrical microlenses. Combining two of these arrays, we realize X-shaped beam splitters and more complex systems like the geometries for Mach-Zehnder and Michelson-type interferometers for atoms.
We propose a new scheme to form a surface Y- or X-shaped beam splitter for optically wave-guided atoms (or molecules) and its Mach-Zehnder interferometer by using the combination of a binary π phase plate and a micro-cylindrical lens. The physics idea and basic principle of our beam splitter are introduced, and the analytic relationships between the intensity distribution (or the intensity gradient, or the splitting distance, and splitting-path width) and the parameters of our optical system are derived and discussed. The potential applications of the beam splitter and its experimental feasibility are discussed. Our study shows that the design is novel and the scheme is simple, and it can be used to construct various integrated atom- (or molecule-) optical elements with surface micro-structures, and even to form some all-optically integrated atom (or molecular) chips.
We experimentally demonstrate novel structures for the realization of registers of atomic qubits: We trap neutral atoms in one- and two-dimensional arrays of far-detuned dipole traps obtained by focusing a red-detuned laser beam with a microfabricated array of microlenses. We are able to selectively address individual trap sites due to their large lateral separation of 125 microm. We initialize and read out different internal states for the individual sites. We also create two interleaved sets of trap arrays with adjustable separation, as required for many proposed implementations of quantum gate operations.
This thesis is concerned with the guiding of cold atoms using optical forces, which is of great importance in the field of atom optics. Atomic beams can be used for precision sensor equipment, building nano-scale structures, construction of quantum computers and to further the understanding of the properties of atoms. Atoms are guided along light beams using the dipole force; there are two regimes under which this force works. Typically red-detuned guides are used (atoms are attracted towards the light) such guides, however, require large detuning and high powers. In this thesis we investigate the use of blue-detuned (atoms are repelled from the light) hollow light beams of moderate power (a few hundred mW) and confine atoms in the dark centre of the beams. Several magneto-optical traps (MOTs) have been constructed to exploit different guiding geometries. Hollow beams have been generated using a variety of methods; in particular the use of a computer controlled spatial light modulator (SLM) has provided great versatility and simplicity to the experimental arrangements. First, experiments were performed with a low-velocity intense source (LVIS) of atoms. A co-linear LG beam significantly enhances the observed flux, however, considerable difficulties are encountered loading atoms into oblique guides. Imaging a hole in the walls of the light tube was used to improve the loading efficiency. Second, guiding a free-falling atom cloud is performed using a non-diffracting Bessel beam. It is found that while the potential of the Bessel beam is steeper than equivalent LG beams the power distribution across the beam severely limits its usefulness. The next study investigated higher-order LG guide beams generated with an SLM. High order modes have a narrower profile so confine the atoms with less interaction with the guide beam, leading to a more natural guide (as opposed to a pushing force). Finally the SLM was used to create non-trivial beam shapes for beam splitters and interferometers.