A three-dimensional steerable optical tweezer system for ultracold atoms

Abstract: We present a three-dimensional steerable optical tweezer system based on two pairs of acousto-optic deflectors. Radio frequencies used to steer the optical tweezers are generated by direct digital synthesis and multiple cross beam dipole traps can be produced through rapid frequency toggling and time averaging. We demonstrate production of arrays of ultracold atomic clouds in both horizontal and vertical planes and use this as an indicator for the three-dimensional nature of this optical tweezer system.