Nonlinear dynamics of atoms in a crossed optical dipole trap

TL;DR

This paper investigates the classical nonlinear dynamics of atoms in a crossed optical dipole trap, revealing a mix of regular and chaotic orbits that influence trapping efficiency and escape times.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of phase space dynamics and trapping behavior in a two-beam optical dipole trap, highlighting the role of chaos and regularity in atom confinement.

Findings

Chaotic orbits become dominant at higher energies.

A significant fraction of atoms remains trapped despite energies above escape channels.

Long escape times are associated with regular and chaotic orbits.

Abstract

We explore the classical dynamics of atoms in an optical dipole trap formed by two identical Gaussian beams propagating in perpendicular directions. The phase space is a mixture of regular and chaotic orbits, the later becoming dominant as the energy of the atoms increases. The trapping capabilities of these perpendicular Gaussian beams are investigated by considering an atomic ensemble in free motion. After a sudden turn on of the dipole trap, a certain fraction of atoms in the ensemble remains trapped. The majority of these trapped atoms has energies larger than the escape channels, which can be explained by the existence of regular and chaotic orbits with very long escape times.