Abstract

We propose and analyze neutral atom microtraps based on optical near-fields produced by the diffraction of a laser wave on small circular apertures in a thin screen. We show that at a moderate laser intensity of about 10 W/cm² the near-field atom microtraps may have a potential well depth of about 0.1 mK, and can store atoms in micron-sized regions, with trap lifetimes of about 1 second. An array of such near-field microtraps could have applications in site-selective manipulation of cold atoms.

© 2008 Optical Society of America