Subwavelength optical lattices induced by position-dependent dark states

Journal article

A method for the generation of subwavelength optical lattices based on multilevel dark states is proposed. The dark state is formed by a suitable combination of standing wave light fields, leading to position-dependent populations of the ground states. An additional field coupling dispersively to one of the ground states translates this position dependence into a subwavelength optical potential. We provide two semiclassical approaches to understand the involved physics, and demonstrate that they lead to identical results in a certain meaningful limit. Then we apply a Monte Carlo simulation technique to study the full quantum dynamics of the subwavelength trapping. Finally, we discuss the relevant time scales for the trapping, optimum conditions, and possible implementations. © 2011 American Physical Society.

Authors: Sun, Q; Evers, J; Kiffner, M; Zubairy, MS

• Journal: Physical Review A - Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
• Volume: 83
• Issue: 5
• Publication date: 2011-05-12
• DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevA.83.053412
• EISSN: 1094-1622
• ISSN: 1050-2947
• Language: English