Simulation of optical lattice trap loading from a cold atomic ensemble

TL;DR

This paper models the process of loading cold atoms into an optical lattice, analyzing how initial conditions and laser parameters affect efficiency, and provides optimized configurations based on simulations validated by experiments.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed simulation method for optical lattice loading that accounts for various atomic and laser parameters, improving understanding and optimization of the process.

Findings

Simulation results align well with experimental data.

Optimal lattice-waist to cloud-radius ratio identified.

Efficiency depends on trap depth, profile, and atomic parameters.

Abstract

We model the efficiency of loading atoms of various species into a one dimensional optical lattice from a cold ensemble taking into account the initial cloud temperature and size, the lattice laser properties affecting the trapping potential, and atomic parameters. Stochastic sampling and dynamical evolution are used to simulate the transfer, leading to estimates of transfer efficiency for varying trap depth and profile. Tracing the motion of the atoms also enables the evaluation of the equilibrium temperature and site occupancy in the lattice. The simulation compares favourably against a number of experimental results, and is used to compute an optimum lattice-waist to cloud-radius ratio for a given optical power.