Loading Dynamics and Characteristics of a Far Off-Resonance Optical Dipole Trap*

We implement an optical dipole trap in a crossed beam configuration for experiments with ultracold strontium. Strontium atoms cooled to nearly 1 $\mu$K are loaded into the optical dipole trap from a magneto-optical trap operating on the 689 nm intercombination line. Loading dynamics and characteristics of the far off-resonance dipole trap are explored as part of our group's study of ultracold collisions in strontium.