Robust and compact single-lens crossed-beam optical dipole trap for Bose-Einstein condensation in microgravity

TL;DR

This paper introduces a compact, robust single-lens crossed-beam optical dipole trap system for efficient Bose-Einstein condensate generation in microgravity, demonstrating stability and control in space-like conditions.

Contribution

A novel single-lens based crossed-beam optical dipole trap with dynamic control, enabling stable BEC production in microgravity environments and space applications.

Findings

Successfully demonstrated trap stability during microgravity in the Einstein-Elevator.

Implemented in the INTENTAS sensor head for BEC verification.

Achieved dynamic control of condensate arrays for advanced quantum sensing.

Abstract

We present a novel concept for a compact and robust crossed-beam optical dipole trap (cODT) based on a single lens, designed for the efficient generation of Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) under dynamic conditions. The system employs two independent two-dimensional acousto-optical deflectors (AODs) in combination with a single high-numerical-aperture lens to provide three-dimensional control over the trap geometry, minimizing potential misalignments and ensuring long-term operational stability. By leveraging time-averaged potentials, rapid and efficient evaporative cooling sequences toward BECs are enabled. The functionality of the cODT under microgravity conditions has been successfully demonstrated in the Einstein-Elevator in Hannover, Germany, where the beam intersection was shown to remain stable throughout the microgravity phase of the flight. In addition, the system has been implemented in the sensor head of the INTENTAS project to verify BEC generation. Additional realization of one- and two-dimensional control of arrays of condensates through dynamic trap shaping was achieved. This versatile approach allows for advanced quantum sensing applications in mobile and space-based environments based on all-optical BECs.