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Trapping atoms using nanoscale quantum vacuum forces

Author

Listed:
  • D. E. Chang

    (ICFO—Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques, Mediterranean Technology Park)

  • K. Sinha

    (Joint Quantum Institute)

  • J. M. Taylor

    (Joint Quantum Institute
    National Institute of Standards and Technology)

  • H. J. Kimble

    (IQIM, California Institute of Technology
    Norman Bridge Laboratory of Physics 12-33, California Institute of Technology)

Abstract

Quantum vacuum forces dictate the interaction between individual atoms and dielectric surfaces at nanoscale distances. For example, their large strengths typically overwhelm externally applied forces, which makes it challenging to controllably interface cold atoms with nearby nanophotonic systems. Here we theoretically show that it is possible to tailor the vacuum forces themselves to provide strong trapping potentials. Our proposed trapping scheme takes advantage of the attractive ground-state potential and adiabatic dressing with an excited state whose potential is engineered to be resonantly enhanced and repulsive. This procedure yields a strong metastable trap, with the fraction of excited-state population scaling inversely with the quality factor of the resonance of the dielectric structure. We analyse realistic limitations to the trap lifetime and discuss possible applications that might emerge from the large trap depths and nanoscale confinement.

Suggested Citation

  • D. E. Chang & K. Sinha & J. M. Taylor & H. J. Kimble, 2014. "Trapping atoms using nanoscale quantum vacuum forces," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 5(1), pages 1-9, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:5:y:2014:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms5343
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms5343
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