Computer generated holograms for optical trapping using a Spatial Light Modulator*

The general experimental modeling of quantum behavior with a well-characterized and well-controlled quantum system is now a possibility using a Bose-Einstein condensate loaded into programmable optical potentials. Through the use of a spatial light modulator (SLM), these patterns can be dynamically modified in real time to further increase the scope of these modelling capabilities. Accurate focal-plane intensity patterns can be generated using an SLM with appropriate algorithms. We demonstrate that the Mixed Region Amplitude Freedom (MRAF) algorithm can generate a desired intensity ring in the focal plane of a lens. We plan to use the MRAF output as the initial guess for a second algorithm that uses Conjugate Gradient Minimization (CGM) to reduce convergence time and increase overall accuracy.