Non-destructive interferometric characterization of an optical dipole trap

A method for non-destructive 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...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:arXiv.org 2006-10
Main Authors: Petrov, Plamen G, Oblak, Daniel, Garrido Alzar, Carlos L, Kjaergaard, Niels, Polzik, Eugene S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cold atoms
Dipoles
Fluorescence
Mach-Zehnder interferometers
Nondestructive testing
Rangefinding
Spontaneous emission
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:A method for non-destructive 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.
ISSN:2331-8422
DOI:10.48550/arxiv.0610107