Compact, On-chip, Integrated three dimensional Lattice*

We present the design of a compact atom chip system that provides a three dimensional optical lattice combined with thru-chip imaging. Optical beams are launched from fibers mounted directly to the exterior of a high resolution (0.4NA) imaging objective. Miniature polarizers, wave plates, and mirrors located on the exterior of the objective control the polarization state and alignment of the lattice, while on-chip optics are used to provide retro-reflection. Three mutually orthogonal lattice beams traverse from the ambient side of the chip through a central window of a silicon and glass substrate, intersecting 300 microns below the vacuum side chip surface. The combined atom chip and optical system fills a volume of less than 36 cm$^{3}$. Atoms may be cooled using standard techniques [1], and directly loaded into the optical lattice. This system is designed with the intention of reducing vibrational noise, providing high resolution in-lattice imaging, combining electric and magnetic fields to generate arbitrary potentials, and performing high repetition rate experiments. \\[4pt] [1] Farkas, Daniel M. et al. Appl. Phys. Lett, 96, 093102 (2010).