Robust and compact single-lens crossed-beam optical dipole trap for Bose-Einstein condensation in microgravity

authored by: J. S. Haase, A. Fieguth, I. Bröckel, J. Hamann, J. Kruse, C. Klempt
Abstract: We present a novel concept for a compact and robust crossed-beam optical dipole trap (cODT) based on a single lens, designed for the efficient generation of Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) under dynamic conditions. The system employs two independent two-dimensional acousto-optical deflectors (AODs) in combination with a single high-numerical-aperture lens to provide full three-dimensional control over the trap geometry, minimizing potential misalignments and ensuring long-term operational stability. By leveraging time-averaged potentials, rapid and efficient evaporative cooling sequences toward BECs are enabled. The functionality of the cODT under microgravity conditions has been successfully demonstrated in the Einstein-Elevator in Hannover, Germany, where the beam intersection was shown to remain stable throughout the microgravity phase of the flight. In addition, the system has been implemented in the sensor head of the INTENTAS project to verify BEC generation. Additional realization of one-, two-, and three-dimensional arrays of condensates through dynamic trap shaping was achieved. This versatile approach allows for advanced quantum sensing applications in mobile and space-based environments based on all-optical BECs.
Organisation(s): Institute of Quantum Optics
External Organisation(s): German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Type: Article
Journal: EPJ Quantum Technology
Volume: 12
Publication date: 29.09.2025
Publication status: Published
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: Control and Systems Engineering, Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics, Condensed Matter Physics, Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.1140/epjqt/s40507-025-00421-7 (Access: Open)

BibTeX

@article{cfc04e6d4c6e47699442177560a17182,
title = "Robust and compact single-lens crossed-beam optical dipole trap for Bose-Einstein condensation in microgravity",
abstract = "We present a novel concept for a compact and robust crossed-beam optical dipole trap (cODT) based on a single lens, designed for the efficient generation of Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) under dynamic conditions. The system employs two independent two-dimensional acousto-optical deflectors (AODs) in combination with a single high-numerical-aperture lens to provide full three-dimensional control over the trap geometry, minimizing potential misalignments and ensuring long-term operational stability. By leveraging time-averaged potentials, rapid and efficient evaporative cooling sequences toward BECs are enabled. The functionality of the cODT under microgravity conditions has been successfully demonstrated in the Einstein-Elevator in Hannover, Germany, where the beam intersection was shown to remain stable throughout the microgravity phase of the flight. In addition, the system has been implemented in the sensor head of the INTENTAS project to verify BEC generation. Additional realization of one-, two-, and three-dimensional arrays of condensates through dynamic trap shaping was achieved. This versatile approach allows for advanced quantum sensing applications in mobile and space-based environments based on all-optical BECs.",
keywords = "All-optical BEC generation, Microgravity, Optical dipole trap, Quantum sensing, Time averaged optical potentials",
author = "Haase, {J. S.} and A. Fieguth and I. Br{\"o}ckel and J. Hamann and J. Kruse and C. Klempt",
note = "Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} The Author(s) 2025.",
year = "2025",
month = sep,
day = "29",
doi = "10.1140/epjqt/s40507-025-00421-7",
language = "English",
volume = "12",
journal = "EPJ Quantum Technology",
issn = "2196-0763",
publisher = "SpringerOpen",
number = "1",
}