Near-field optical guidance and manipulation of atoms

We describe guiding of neutral atoms through a hollow optical fiber with a micron-sized hollow core. Two-step photoionization experiment shows the frequency dispersion properties of the dipole interaction between an atom and an optical near field. These characteristics are advantageous to species- and state-selective manipulation of atoms. Then we discus a new scheme of atom deposition by means of the guiding technique, including a numerical simulation. We also present two methods for controlling atomic motion using a sharped optical fiber with a nanometric optical n ear field, i.e., atom deflection and atom trap. Deflection angle and trap potential are estimated based on a near-field intensity distribution derived from a Yukawa-type screened potential. The manipulation techniques are useful for precise control of atoms with a spatial accuracy beyond diffraction limit, which will lead to atomic-scale crystal growth.