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arXiv · 0801.2791

Versatile two-dimensional potentials for ultra-cold atoms

S. K. Schnelle·E. D. van Ooijen·M. J. Davis·N. R. Heckenberg·H. Rubinsztein-Dunlop
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Abstract

We propose and investigate a technique for generating smooth two-dimensional potentials for ultra-cold atoms based on the rapid scanning of a far-detuned laser beam using a two-dimensional acousto-optical modulator (AOM). We demonstrate the implementation of a feed-forward mechanism for fast and accurate control of the spatial intensity of the laser beam, resulting in improved homogeneity for the atom trap. This technique could be used to generate a smooth toroidal trap that would be useful for static and dynamic experiments on superfluidity and persistent currents with ultra-cold atoms.

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S. K. Schnelle, E. D. van Ooijen, M. J. Davis, N. R. Heckenberg, H. Rubinsztein-Dunlop. 2008-01-17. Versatile two-dimensional potentials for ultra-cold atoms. https://doi.org/10.1364/oe.16.001405

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