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Imaging-Based Parametric Resonance In An Optical Dipole-Atom Trap, S. Balik, A. L. Win, M. D. Havey

Physics Faculty Publications

We report sensitive detection of parametric resonances in a high-density sample of ultracold ⁸⁷Rb atoms confined to a far-off-resonance optical dipole trap. Fluorescence imaging of the expanded ultracold atom cloud after a period of parametric excitation shows significant modification of the atomic spatial distribution and has high sensitivity compared with traditional measurements of parametrically driven trap loss. Using this approach, a significant shift of the parametric resonance frequency is observed and attributed to the anharmonic shape of the dipole trap potential. 2009 The American Physical Society.