Simultaneous optical trapping and detection of atoms by microdisk resonators

Abstract

We propose a scheme for simultaneously trapping and detecting single atoms near the surface of a substrate using whispering gallery modes of a microdisk resonator. For efficient atom-mode coupling the atom should be placed within approximately 150 nm from the disk. We show that a combination of red and blue detuned modes can form an optical trap at such distances while the back-action of the atom on the field modes can simultaneously be used for atom detection. We investigate these trapping potentials including van-der-Waals and Casimir-Polder forces and discuss corresponding atom detection efficiencies, depending on a variety of system parameters. Finally, we analyze the feasibility of non-destructive detection.

13 pages, 16 figures