Affiliation:
1. University of Strathclyde
Abstract
We demonstrate the integration of micro-electro-mechanical-systems
(MEMS) scanning mirrors as active elements for the local optical
pumping of ultra-cold atoms in a magneto-optical trap. A pair of MEMS
mirrors steer a focused resonant beam through a cloud of trapped atoms
shelved in the F = 1 ground-state of
87Rb for spatially selective fluorescence of the atom
cloud. Two-dimensional control is demonstrated by forming geometrical
patterns along the imaging axis of the cold atom ensemble. Such
control of the atomic ensemble with a microfabricated mirror pair
could find applications in single atom selection, local optical
pumping, and arbitrary cloud shaping. This approach has significant
potential for miniaturization and in creating portable control systems
for quantum optic experiments.
Funder
Defence Science and Technology
Laboratory
Royal Academy of
Engineering
Engineering and Physical Sciences
Research Council
Subject
Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics