A semiclassical optics derivation of Einstein's rate equations Am. J. Phys. 80, 882 (2012) On energy transfers in reflection of light by a moving mirror Am. J. Phys. 80, 684 (2012) Analysis of light scattered by a capillary to measure a liquid's index of refraction Am. J. Phys. 80, 688 (2012) Cavity quantum electrodynamics of a two-level atom with modulated fields Am.An optical vortex is a screw dislocation in a light field that carries quantized orbital angular momentum and, due to cancellations of the twisting along the propagation axis, experiences zero intensity at its center. When viewed in a perpendicular plane along the propagation axis, the vortex appears as a dark region in the center surrounded by a bright concentric ring of light. We give detailed instructions for generating optical vortices and optical vortex structures by computer-generated holograms and describe various methods for manipulating the resulting structures.

We investigate the use of light assisted collisions for the deterministic preparation of individual atoms in a microtrap. Blue detuned light is used in order to ensure that only one of the collision partners is lost from the trap. We obtain a 91% loading efficiency of single 85 Rb atoms. This can be achieved within a total preparation time of 542 ms. A numerical model of the process quantitatively agrees with the experiment giving an in-depth understanding of the dynamics of the process and allowing us to identify the factors that still limit the loading efficiency. The fast loading time in combination with the high efficiency may be sufficient for loading quantum registers at the size required for competitive quantum computing.

We discuss the dynamics of interacting dark-bright two-dimensional vector solitons in multicomponent immiscible bulk Bose-Einstein condensates. We describe matter-wave molecules without a scalar counterpart that can be seen as bound states of vector objects. We also analyze the possibility of using these structures as building blocks for the design of matter-wave switchers.Comment: 4 pages, 5 figure

In this paper we analyze atom lasers based on the spatial modulation of the scattering length of a Bose-Einstein Condensate. We demonstrate, through numerical simulations and approximate analytical methods, the controllable emission of matter-wave bursts and study the dependence of the process on the spatial shape of the scattering length along the axis of emission. We also study the role of an additional modulation of the scattering length in time.