Open AccessCold atom guidance using a binary spatial light modulator
Author(s) -
Fredrik K. Fatemi,
Mark Bashkansky
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.14.001368
Subject(s) - spatial light modulator , optics , laser , binary number , ultracold atom , beam (structure) , optical modulator , materials science , intensity (physics) , holography , light intensity , electro optic modulator , physics , laser beams , modulation (music) , phase modulation , arithmetic , mathematics , quantum mechanics , phase noise , acoustics , quantum
We have guided cold (85)Rb atoms in a blue-detuned, high-order hollow laser beam generated by a binary spatial light modulator. The binary holograms written to the modulator produce smooth hollow laser beams with steep intensity walls that can be updated with a 1.6 kHz refresh rate. We analyze the guiding laser beams numerically and experimentally, and show that the atoms are exposed to an average intensity that is ~2% of the maximum intensity of the guide at a laser detuning of 1 GHz and 2 mW of optical power.