Controllable atomic collision in a tight optical dipole trap

Single atoms are interesting candidates for studying quantum optics and quantum information processing. Recently, trapping and manipulation of single atoms using tight optical dipole traps has generated considerable interest. Here we report an experimental investigation of the dynamics of atoms in a modified optical dipole trap with a backward propagating dipole trap beam, where a change in the two-atom collision rate by six times has been achieved. The theoretical model presented gives a prediction of high probabilities of few-atom loading rates under proper experimental conditions. This work provides an alternative approach to the control of the few-atom dynamics in a dipole trap and the study of the collective quantum optical effects of a few atoms. (c) 2023 Optica Publishing Group

Automated summary

In this study, the dynamics of single atoms in a modified optical dipole trap with a backward propagating dipole trap beam were experimentally investigated. The collision rate between two atoms was changed by six times. The theoretical model predicts high probabilities of few-atom loading rates under appropriate experimental conditions. This work provides an alternative approach for controlling the dynamics of a few atoms in a dipole trap and studying the collective quantum optical effects of few atoms.