Multiple micro-optical atom traps with a spherically aberrated laser beam

Abstract

We report on the loading of atoms contained in a magneto-optic trap into multiple optical traps formed within the focused beam of a CO 2 laser. We show that, under certain circumstances, it is possible to create a linear array of dipole traps with well-separated maxima. This is achieved by focusing the laser beam through lenses uncorrected for spherical aberration. We demonstrate that the separation between the micro-traps can be varied, a property which may be useful in experiments that require the creation of entanglement between atoms in different micro-traps. We suggest other experiments where an array of these traps could be useful.