Quantum Gases in Optical Boxes

TL;DR

This paper reviews the development of optical box traps for ultracold atoms, highlighting their role in creating homogeneous quantum gases and enabling new experimental and theoretical studies in many-body physics.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress in optical box traps, emphasizing their advantages and new experimental possibilities.

Findings

Homogeneous quantum gases can be created using optical box traps.

Optical box traps simplify experimental interpretation and theoretical connections.

New experiments enabled by optical box traps are discussed.

Abstract

Advances in light shaping for optical trapping of neutral particles have led to the development of box traps for ultracold atoms and molecules. These traps have allowed the creation of homogeneous quantum gases and opened new possibilities for studies of many-body physics. They simplify the interpretation of experimental results, provide more direct connections with theory, and in some cases allow qualitatively new, hitherto impossible experiments. Here we review progress in this emerging field.