The trapping and detection of single atoms using a spherical mirror

Abstract

We fabricate a miniature spherical mirror for tightly focusing an optical dipole trap for neutral atoms. The mirror formation process is modelled to predict the dimensions for particular fabrication parameters. We integrate the spherical mirror with a neutral atom experiment to trap and detect a single atom with high efficiency. The mirror serves the dual purpose of focusing the dipole trap as well as collecting the atomic fluorescence into an optical fibre. © IOP Publishing Ltd and Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft.