Two-dimensional lattice of blue-detuned atom traps using a projected Gaussian beam array

Abstract

We describe a new type of blue detuned optical lattice for atom trapping which is intrinsically two dimensional, while providing three-dimensional atom localization. The lattice is insensitive to optical phase fluctuations since it does not depend on field interference between distinct optical beams. The array is created using a novel arrangement of weakly overlapping Gaussian beams that creates a two-dimensional array of dark traps which are suitable for magic trapping of ground and Rydberg states. We analyze the spatial localization that can be achieved and demonstrate trapping and detection of single Cs atoms in 6 and 49 site two-dimensional arrays.

Rapid Production of Uniformly Filled Arrays of Neutral Atoms

“…Using optical tweezers, long-range interactions between neutral atoms have been harnessed via Rydberg blockade [3-5], and it is now possible to observe controlled interactions and interference between bosonic and fermionic atoms placed individually in their motional ground state [6][7][8]. While optical tweezer traps can be scaled to arrays [9][10][11][12], realizing an ordered array with a single atom per trap is difficult and is a problem of long-standing interest [13][14][15][16].…”

“…Using optical tweezers, long-range interactions between neutral atoms have been harnessed via Rydberg blockade [3-5], and it is now possible to observe controlled interactions and interference between bosonic and fermionic atoms placed individually in their motional ground state [6][7][8]. While optical tweezer traps can be scaled to arrays [9][10][11][12], realizing an ordered array with a single atom per trap is difficult and is a problem of long-standing interest [13][14][15][16].Early experiments with optical tweezers demonstrated sub-Poissonian atom-number statistics using light-assisted collisions that rapidly expel pairs of atoms, a process known as collisional blockade [17][18][19][20]. This has become a reliable method to isolate single atoms, as well as the basis for parity imaging in quantum-gas microscopes [1,2,17].…”

Intercombination effects in resonant energy transfer

“…Here we consider a one-dimensional lattice of strontium atoms in 5snd Rydberg states, thus adding strong intersite interactions and extending the study of many-body systems beyond the two-level Hubbard model in cold atoms [22][23][24]. Ultracold Rydberg gases of divalent atoms are of growing interest in atomic physics [25][26][27][28][29][30], and as well as systems where the precise details of the electronic wave function are known [31][32][33][34][35][36] they provide a route to precise control of the interparticle spacing via optical lattices or tweezer arrays [37][38][39][40][41].…”

Long working distance objective lenses for single atom trapping and imaging

“…High resolution imaging plays a crucial role in atomic physics experiments, from trapping and imaging single atoms [1][2][3][4] to creating complex arbitrary optical potentials for quantum gas studies [5][6][7] . These experiments are performed under vacuum requiring imaging through a glass window which introduces significant spherical aberrations and substantially reducing the resolution of an uncompensated optical system.…”