M. Christ^1,2, O. Anton², C. Zimmermann¹, V.A. Henderson^2,3, E. da Ros², and M. Krutzik^1,2

Published in:

Opt. Express, vol. 32, no. 23, pp. 40806-40819 (2024).

Abstract:

Quantum technologies extensively use laser light for state preparation, manipulation, and readout. For field applications, these systems must be robust and compact, driving the need for miniaturized and highly stable optical setups and system integration. In this work, we present a micro-integrated crossed-beam optical dipole trap setup, the μXODT, designed for trapping and cooling ⁸⁷Rb. This fiber-coupled setup operates at 1064 nm wavelength with up to 2.5 W optical power and realizes a free-space crossed beam geometry. The μXODT precisely overlaps two focused beams (ω₀ ≈ 33 μm) at their waists in a 45° crossing angle, achieving a position difference of ≤3.4 μm and a 0.998 power ratio between both beams with long-term stability. We describe the design and assembly process in detail, along with optical and thermal tests with temperatures of up to 65 °C. The system’s volume of 25 ml represents a reduction of more than two orders of magnitude compared to typically used macroscopic setups while demonstrating exceptional mechanical robustness and thermal stability. The μXODT is integrated with an ⁸⁷Rb 3D MOT setup, trapping 3 × 10⁵ atoms from a laser-cooled atomic cloud, and has shown no signs of degradation after two years of operation.

Topics:

Integrating spheres, Laser light, Optical components, Optical systems, Optical testing, Systems design.

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