Abstract
We propose to use subwavelength confinement of light associated with the near field of plasmonic systems to create nanoscale optical lattices for ultracold atoms. Our approach combines the unique coherence properties of isolated atoms with the subwavelength manipulation and strong light-matter interaction associated with nanoplasmonic systems. It allows one to considerably increase the energy scales in the realization of Hubbard models and to engineer effective long-range interactions in coherent and dissipative many-body dynamics. Realistic imperfections and potential applications are discussed.
- Received 22 August 2012
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.109.235309
© 2012 American Physical Society
Synopsis
Downsizing Optical Lattices
Published 6 December 2012
Field patterns produced near nanoparticles could allow closely spaced traps for ultracold atoms.
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