English

Micro-integrated crossed-beam optical dipole trap system with long-term alignment stability for mobile atomic quantum technologies

Atomic Physics 2024-11-14 v1 Applied Physics Optics

Abstract

Quantum technologies extensively use laser light for state preparation, manipulation, and readout. For field applications, these systems must be robust and compact, driving the need for miniaturized and highly stable optical setups and system integration. In this work, we present a micro-integrated crossed-beam optical dipole trap setup, the μ\muXODT, designed for trapping and cooling 87Rb^{87}\text{Rb}. This fiber-coupled setup operates at 1064nm1064\,\text{nm} wavelength with up to 2.5W2.5\,\text{W} optical power and realizes a free-space crossed beam geometry. The μ\muXODT precisely overlaps two focused beams (w033μmw_0 \approx 33\,\mu\text{m}) at their waists in a 4545^\circ crossing angle, achieving a position difference 3.4μm\leq 3.4\,\mu\text{m} and 0.998 power ratio between both beams with long-term stability. We describe the design and assembly process in detail, along with optical and thermal tests with temperatures of up to 65C65\,^\circ C. The system's volume of 25ml25\,\text{ml} represents a reduction of more than two orders of magnitude compared to typically used macroscopic setups, while demonstrating exceptional mechanical robustness and thermal stability. The μ\muXODT is integrated with a 87Rb^{87}\text{Rb} 3D MOT setup, trapping 3×1053 \times 10^5 atoms from a laser-cooled atomic cloud, and has shown no signs of degradation after two years of operation.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2408.07187,
  title  = {Micro-integrated crossed-beam optical dipole trap system with long-term alignment stability for mobile atomic quantum technologies},
  author = {Marc Christ and Oliver Anton and Conrad Zimmermann and Victoria A Henderson and Elisa Da Ros and Markus Krutzik},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2408.07187},
  year   = {2024}
}
R2 v1 2026-06-28T18:12:16.837Z