05_atom
Atom trapping in deeply bound states of a far-off-resonance optical lattice
D.L. Haycock, S.E. Hamann, G. Klose, and P.S. Jessen
Optical Sciences Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721
We form a one-dimensional optical lattice for Cs atoms using light detuned a few thousand linewidths below atomic resonance. Atoms are selectively loaded into deeply bound states by adiabatic transfer from a super-imposed, near-resonance optical lattice. This yields a mean vibrational excitation 0.3 and localization zl/20. Light scattering subsequently heats the atoms, but the initial rate is only of order 0.001 vibrational quanta per oscillation period. Low vibrational excitation, strong localization, and low heating rates make these atoms good candidates for resolved-sideband Raman cooling.