Neodymium-doped hollow optical-fiber laser for applications in laser-guided atoms

Summary form only given. There has been much interest and activity in the manipulation of atoms with laser light and its application to atom optics. An attractive candidate for performing atom guidance is the evanescent field at the border of a dielectric light guide because it provides a short-range repulsive potential. In contrast to passive hollow light guides (capillaries), we have realized a lasing one made up of highly doped phosphate glass. We have proved that influencing the evanescent field within the hollow guide can drastically change the emission characteristics of the laser.