Generation of a blue-detuned optical storage ring by a metasurface and its application in optical trapping of cold molecules

Abstract

A scheme for storage of cold molecules in a hollow optical ring generated by a metasurface grating is proposed. The characteristics and intensity distribution related to the ring’s structural parameters and fabrication error tolerance are theoretically studied. The optical potential and dipole force required for the ring to trap magnesium monofluoride (MgF) molecules are also calculated. The dynamic behavior of MgF molecules in the storage ring is simulated by a Monte Carlo method, which shows that a metasurface-based optical storage ring can be used to trap molecules and is an interesting platform for research into ultracold quantum gases and their quantum-state manipulation.