An optical conveyor belt for single neutral atoms

Schrader, D and Kuhr, S and Alt, W and Muller, M and Gomer, V and Meschede, D (2001) An optical conveyor belt for single neutral atoms. Applied Physics B: Lasers and Optics, 73 (8). pp. 819-824. ISSN 0946-2171 (https://doi.org/10.1007/s003400100722)

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Abstract

Using optical dipole forces we have realized controlled transport of a single or any desired small number of neutral atoms over a distance of a centimeter with sub-micrometer precision. A standing wave dipole trap is loaded with a prescribed number of cesium atoms from a magneto-optical trap. Mutual detuning of the counter-propagating laser beams moves the interference pattern, allowing us to accelerate and stop the atoms at preselected points along the standing wave. The transportation efficiency is close to 100%. This optical 'single-atom conveyor belt' represents a versatile tool for future experiments requiring deterministic delivery of a prescribed number of atoms on demand.