Preparation of ultracold atomic-ensemble arrays using time-multiplexed optical tweezers

Abstract

We use optical tweezers based on time-multiplexed acousto-optic deflectors to trap ultracold cesium atoms in one-dimensional arrays of atomic ensembles. For temperatures between $2.5\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{K}$ and $50\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{nK}$ we study the maximal time between optical tweezer pulses that retains the number of atoms in a single trap. This time provides an estimate of the maximal number of sites in an array of time-multiplexed optical tweezers. We demonstrate evaporative cooling of atoms in arrays of up to 25 optical tweezer traps and the preparation of atoms in a box potential. Additionally, we demonstrate three different protocols for the preparation of atomic-ensemble arrays by transfer from an expanding ultracold atomic cloud. These result in the preparation of arrays of up to 74 atomic ensembles consisting of $\ensuremath{\sim}100$ atoms on average.