Heidelberg 2015 – scientific programme

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Q: Fachverband Quantenoptik und Photonik

Q 62: Poster: Quantum Optics and Photonics III

Q 62.15: Poster

Thursday, March 26, 2015, 17:00–19:00, C/Foyer

Light shifts and mechanical dynamics of single Rb atoms in a deep two-dimensional optical lattice — •Matthias Körber, Andreas Neuzner, Olivier Morin, Stephan Ritter, and Gerhard Rempe — Max-Planck-Institut für Quantenoptik, Hans-Kopfermann-Str. 1, 85748 Garching

Single neutral atoms in an optical cavity are a powerful experimental system that allows for a high degree of control over light-matter interaction. Optical lattices are commonly used to trap and tightly confine the atoms. Besides the obvious influence on the mechanical motion, optical trapping influences the internal degrees of freedom of trapped atoms as well. Here, we experimentally study mechanical dynamics and we find strong implications for optical cooling strategies. Furthermore, we observe the onset of decoupling of nuclear spin from the hull's angular momentum and find good agreement between experiment and a theoretical model. We like to emphasize that instead of a mere curiosity our findings are actually high relevance for everyday lab work.