Optimal lattice depth on lifetime of D-band ultracold atoms in a triangular optical lattice

Ultracold atoms in optical lattices are a flexible and effective platform for quantum precision measurement, and the lifetime of high-band atoms is an essential parameter for the performance of quantum sensors. In this work, we investigate the relationship between the lattice depth and the lifetime of D-band atoms in a triangular optical lattice and show that there is an optimal lattice depth for the maximum lifetime. After loading the Bose-Einstein condensate into D band of optical lattice by shortcut method, we observe the atomic distribution in quasi-momentum space for the different evolution time, and measure the atomic lifetime at D band with different lattice depths. The lifetime is maximized at an optimal lattice depth, where the overlaps between the wave function of D band and other bands (mainly S band) are minimized. Additionally, we discuss the influence of atomic temperature on lifetime. These experimental results are in agreement with our numerical simulations. This work paves the way to improve coherence properties of optical lattices, and contributes to the implications for the development of quantum precision measurement, quantum communication, and quantum computing. (c) 2023 Optica Publishing Group under the terms of the Optica Open Access Publishing Agreement

Automated summary

Ultracold atoms in optical lattices provide a flexible and effective platform for quantum precision measurement. In this work, we investigate the relationship between lattice depth and lifetime of D-band atoms in a triangular optical lattice, and find that there is an optimal lattice depth for achieving the longest lifetime. By loading the Bose-Einstein condensate into the D band using a shortcut method, we observe the atomic distribution in quasi-momentum space for different evolution times and measure the atomic lifetime at different lattice depths. Our experimental results, supported by numerical simulations, show that the lifetime is maximized when the overlaps between the wave function of the D band and other bands (mainly the S band) are minimized. Additionally, we discuss the influence of atomic temperature on the lifetime. This work paves the way for improving the coherence properties of optical lattices and has implications for the development of quantum precision measurement, quantum communication, and quantum computing.