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Updated: Jan 31, 2026
11:08
Fabrication And Characterization Of Photonic Crystal Slow Light Waveguides And Cavities
Published on: November 30, 2012
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Clocked atom delivery to a photonic crystal waveguide
A P Burgers1, L S Peng1, J A Muniz1
1Norman Bridge Laboratory of Physics, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125.
Summary
Researchers quantitatively mapped ultracold atom motion near nanoscopic photonic crystal waveguides (PCWs). They validated simulations of atomic trajectories and demonstrated initial control over atom flux into PCWs using optical fields.
Area of Science:
- Atomic Physics
- Nanophotonics
- Quantum Optics
Background:
- Understanding atomic motion near nanostructures is crucial for quantum technologies.
- Photonic crystal waveguides (PCWs) offer unique environments for controlling light-matter interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively understand atomic motion near nanoscopic PCWs.
- To validate numerical simulations of atomic trajectories.
- To explore methods for controlling atomic flux into PCWs.
Main Methods:
- Experiments using ultracold atoms delivered from a moving optical lattice into a PCW.
- Recording transmission spectra of a guided-mode probe field.
- Quantitative validation of numerical simulations based on atomic trajectories and forces.
- Utilizing auxiliary guided-mode (GM) fields to induce AC Stark shifts.
Main Results:
- Achieved quantitative understanding of atomic motion with ~50 nm spatial and ~100 ns temporal resolution.
- Validated numerical simulations against experimental data.
- Demonstrated preliminary control over atomic trajectories using AC Stark shifts.
- Enhanced atomic flux into the PCW central vacuum gap.
Conclusions:
- Experimental and simulation methods provide a robust framework for studying atom-waveguide interactions.
- Controlled manipulation of atomic trajectories opens possibilities for advanced quantum devices.
- Applications include enhanced optical trap filling, field calibration, and novel nonlinear optics.
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