Scalar, tensor and vector polarizability of Tm atoms in 532 nm dipole trap

TL;DR

This study experimentally measures and compares the tensor and vector polarizabilities of Tm atoms in a 532 nm dipole trap, providing data that aligns well with theoretical simulations and exploring atom losses.

Contribution

First measurement of tensor and vector polarizabilities of Tm atoms at 532 nm, with comparison to detailed theoretical models and analysis of atom loss mechanisms.

Findings

Tensor polarizability: -145 ± 53 a.u.

Vector polarizability: 680 ± 240 a.u.

Good agreement between experimental results and simulations.

Abstract

Dipolar atoms have unique properties, making them interesting for laser cooling and quantum simulations. But, due to relatively large orbital momentum in the ground state these atoms may have large dynamic tensor and vector polarizabilities in the ground state. This enables the formation of spin-dependent optical traps. In this paper real part of tensor and vector dynamic polarizability was experimentally measured and compared to theoretical simulation. For an optical dipole trap operating around 532.07 nm tensor, polarizability was found to be $ - 145 \pm 53\,\,{\rm{a}}{\rm{.u}}{\rm{.}}$ and vector was $680 \pm 240\,\,{\rm{a}}{\rm{.u}}{\rm{.}}$. The measurements were compared with simulations, which were done based on the known set of levels from a thulium atom. The simulations are in good agreement with experimental results. In addition, losses of atoms from the dipole trap were measured for different trap configurations and compared to the calculated imaginary part of vector and tensor polarizabilities.