Laser nanotraps and nanotweezers for cold atoms: 3D gradient dipole force trap in the vicinity of scanning near-field optical microscope tip

Using a two-dipole model of an optical near-field of scanning near-field optical microscope tip, i.e., taking into account contributions of magnetic and electric dipoles, we propose and analyze a new type of 3D optical nanotrap found for certain relations between electric and magnetic dipoles. Electric field attains a minimum value in vacuum in the vicinity of the tip and hence such a trap is quite suitable for manipulations with cold atoms.

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