Diffraction grating characterisation for cold-atom experiments

TL;DR

This paper characterizes the optical properties of micro-fabricated diffraction gratings to optimize their use in cold-atom experiments, focusing on efficiency, geometry, and experimental parameters.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of over 100 gratings, identifying key parameters affecting diffraction efficiency and experimental suitability for ultracold atom research.

Findings

Diffraction efficiency varies with coating and geometry.

Optimal parameters depend on wavelength and diffraction angle.

Guidelines for designing gratings for cold-atom experiments.

Abstract

We have studied the optical properties of gratings micro-fabricated into semiconductor wafers, which can be used for simplifying cold-atom experiments. The study entailed characterisation of diffraction efficiency as a function of coating, periodicity, duty cycle and geometry using over 100 distinct gratings. The critical parameters of experimental use, such as diffraction angle and wavelength are also discussed, with an outlook to achieving optimal ultracold experimental conditions.