Composite device for interfacing an array of atoms with a single nanophotonic cavity mode

Abstract

We propose a method of trapping atoms in arrays near to the surface of a composite nanophotonic device with optimal coupling to a single cavity mode. The device, comprised of a nanofiber mounted on a grating, allows the formation of periodic optical trapping potentials near to the nanofiber surface along with a high cooperativity nanofiber cavity. We model the device analytically and find good agreement with numerical simulations. We numerically demonstrate that for an experimentally realistic device, an array of traps can be formed whose centers coincide with the antinodes of a single cavity mode, guaranteeing optimal coupling to the cavity. Additionally, we simulate a trap suitable for a single atom within 100 nm of the fiber surface, potentially allowing larger coupling to the nanofiber than found using typical guided mode trapping techniques.

Keywords

• nanophotonics
• nanofibers
• laser-cooled atoms
• photonic crystal cavities