ERA NanoSci - Nanofibre Optical Interfaces for Ions, Atoms and Molecules

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Arno Rauschenbeutel
• Subject Area: Experimental Condensed Matter Physics ; Theoretical Chemistry: Electronic Structure, Dynamics, Simulation
• Term: from 2009 to 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 118517177

We aim to use optical nanofibres for interfacing, manipulating, and controlling nano-particles with light. Such nanofibres will be integrated into novel environments, including ion traps, cold atom traps, and optical tweezers. We will experimentally investigate the coupling of a single or few ions with the evanescent field of an optical nanofibre and explore the possibility to trap ions in the vicinity of the evanescent field. On the theory side, the collective coupling of ions or atoms trapped close to a nanofibre via evanescent fields will be modelled. Furthermore, using higher order optical modes, we aim to tailor the evanescent field and to study the optical binding of complex three dimensional arrays of colloidal particles in the vicinity of the nanofibre as well as their response to transfer of angular momentum. Finally, we will consider the feasibility of trapping neutral atoms in the evanescent field of a guided nanofibre mode exhibiting a complex polarisation pattern.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Austria, Ireland, Russia, United Kingdom
• Participating Persons: Professor Rainer Blatt, Ph.D.; Dr. Philip Jones; Professor Dr. Vladimir Minogin; Professorin Dr. Síle Nic Chormaic