Optical ferris wheel for ultracold atoms

Franke-Arnold, S. , Leach, J., Padgett, M.J. , Lembessis, V.E., Ellinas, D., Wright, A.J., Girkin, J.M., Ohberg, P. and Arnold, A.S. (2007) Optical ferris wheel for ultracold atoms. Optics Express, 15(14), pp. 8619-8625. (doi: 10.1364/OE.15.008619)

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Abstract

We propose a versatile optical ring lattice suitable for trapping cold and quantum degenerate atomic samples. We demonstrate the realisation of intensity patterns from pairs of Laguerre-Gauss (exp(iℓθ)) modes with different l indices. These patterns can be rotated by introducing a frequency shift between the modes. We can generate bright ring lattices for trapping atoms in red-detuned light, and dark ring lattices suitable for trapping atoms with minimal heating in the optical vortices of blue-detuned light. The lattice sites can be joined to form a uniform ring trap, making it ideal for studying persistent currents and the Mott insulator transition in a ring geometry.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:This paper was published in Optics Express and is made available as an electronic reprint with the permission of OSA. The paper can be found at the following URL on the OSA website: http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/OE.15.008619. Systematic or multiple reproduction or distribution to multiple locations via electronic or other means is prohibited and is subject to penalties under law.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Padgett, Professor Miles and Franke-Arnold, Professor Sonja
Authors: Franke-Arnold, S., Leach, J., Padgett, M.J., Lembessis, V.E., Ellinas, D., Wright, A.J., Girkin, J.M., Ohberg, P., and Arnold, A.S.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
Journal Name:Optics Express
Publisher:Optical Society of America
ISSN:1094-4087
ISSN (Online):1094-4087
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2007 Optical Society of America
First Published:First published in Optics Express 15(14):8619-8625
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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