Optical Dipole Trap for Hg Atoms
arXiv:2607.28392
The paper reports the first creation of an optical dipole trap for ultracold mercury atoms, demonstrating transfer of six Hg isotopes from a magneto‑optical trap and measuring trap characteristics such as depth and lifetime.
Abstract
We report the first realization of an optical dipole trap (ODT) for ultracold mercury atoms, overcoming the challenge posed by the exceptionally low polarizability of Hg and the resulting weak optical trapping potential. We demonstrate the transfer of six naturally abundant Hg isotopes from a magneto-optical trap (MOT) into the ODT and characterize its loading dynamics, trap depth, and lifetime. Confinement of dense samples of ultracold Hg opens new opportunities for studies of isotope-dependent collisions and photoassociation and provides a route toward quantum degeneracy.
6 pages, 8 figures