Creating atom-number states around tapered optical fibres by loading from an optical lattice

TL;DR

This paper proposes a theoretical method to create and control atom-number states around tapered optical fibres by integrating them into optical lattices, enabling precise atomic manipulation near nanofibres.

Contribution

It introduces a technique to minimize lattice distortion caused by the fibre and demonstrates potential for deterministic atom sample creation using off-resonant light.

Findings

Lattice distortion can be minimized by optimal fibre placement.

Off-resonant light in the fibre modifies local potentials.

Potential for deterministic atom state control near nanofibres.

Abstract

We describe theoretically a setup in which a tapered optical nanofibre is introduced into an optical lattice potential for cold atoms. Firstly, we consider the disturbance to the geometry of the lattice potential due to scattering of the lattice lasers from the dielectric fibre surface and show that the resulting distortion to the lattice can be minimized by placing the fibre at an appropriate position in the lattice. We then calculate the modifications of the local potentials that are achievable by transmitting off-resonant light through the fibre. The availability of such a technique holds the potential to deterministically create and address small well-defined samples of atoms in the evanescent field of the tapered nanofibre.