Nondestructive interferometric characterization of an optical dipole trap

Journal Article · Thu Mar 15 00:00:00 EDT 2007 · Physical Review. A

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PHYSREVA.75.033803· OSTI ID:20982394

Petrov, Plamen G; Oblak, Daniel; Alzar, Carlos L. Garrido; Kjaergaard, Niels; Polzik, Eugene S ^[1]

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1. QUANTOP, Danish National Research Foundation Centre of Quantum Optics, Niels Bohr Institute, DK-2100 Copenhagen O (Denmark)

A method for nondestructive characterization of a dipole-trapped atomic sample is presented. It relies on a measurement of the phase shift imposed by cold atoms on an optical pulse that propagates through a free-space Mach-Zehnder interferometer. Using this technique we are able to determine, with very good accuracy, relevant trap parameters such as the atomic sample temperature, trap oscillation frequencies, and loss rates. Another important feature is that our method is faster than conventional absorption or fluorescence techniques, allowing the combination of high-dynamical range measurements and a reduced number of spontaneous emission events per atom.

• OSTI ID: 20982394
• Journal Information: Physical Review. A, Vol. 75, Issue 3; Other Information: DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevA.75.033803; (c) 2007 The American Physical Society; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 1050-2947
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS
ABSORPTION
ATOMS
DIPOLES
FLUORESCENCE
LOSSES
MACH-ZEHNDER INTERFEROMETER
OPTICS
OSCILLATIONS
PHASE SHIFT
PULSES
RADIATION PRESSURE
TRAPPING
TRAPS