Abstract
The use of tapered optical fibers, i.e., optical nanofibers, for spectroscopy and the detection of small numbers of particles, such as neutral atoms or molecules, has been gaining interest in recent years. In this review, we briefly introduce the optical nanofiber, its fabrication, and optical mode propagation within. We discuss recent progress on the integration of optical nanofibers into laser-cooled atom and vapor systems, paying particular attention to spectroscopy, cold atom cloud characterization, and optical trapping schemes. Next, a natural extension of this work to molecules is introduced. Finally, we consider several alternatives to optical nanofibers that display some advantages for specific applications.
Highlights
Quantum mechanics plays a crucial role in the development and understanding of future technologies governed by quantum rules
Once the cold atoms are prepared in the magneto-optical trap (MOT), the trapping beams are switched off and, for a short period of time, the cold atoms are excited by a free-space, resonant probe beam
During this excitation period the atoms absorb from the probe beam resulting in the spontaneous emission of photons, some of which couple to the guided modes of the fiber and are counted by an avalanche photodiode (APD)
Summary
Quantum mechanics plays a crucial role in the development and understanding of future technologies governed by quantum rules. Researchers have been investigating the possibility of detecting, controlling, and manipulating quantum systems, such as cold atoms [1,2,3,4], trapped ions [5,6], and molecules [7], close to the surface of nanostructured devices. These devices include microcavities [8], atom chips [9], superconducting circuits [7], and optical nanofibers [1]. The paper concludes with some comments on the future directions of this research field
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