Large-volume single-beam dark optical trap for atoms using binary phase elements

Roee Ozeri, Lev Khaykovich, Nir Friedman, Nir Davidson

A novel method to trap ultracold atoms in a single-beam, dark optical dipole trap, which uses a binary phase element, is proposed and demonstrated. The length and the width of this trap are independently controlled to enable a larger volume, a more symmetric shape, and a higher loading efficiency. More than 10⁶ rubidium atoms were loaded into the trap at a trapping laser detuning of 0.1 - 10 nm above the atomic transition.

"Large volume single-beam dark optical trap for atoms using binary phase elements", R. Ozeri, L. Khaykovich, N. Friedman, and N. Davidson, J. Opt. Soc. Am B 17, 1113-1116 (2000). (PDF)

---