An optical lattice is formed by the [[Interference|interference]] of counter-propagating [[Laser|laser]] beams, creating a periodic pattern of high and low [[Intensity|light intensity]]. [[Atom|Atoms]] can be trapped in these intensity regions due to the [[Stark Effect|Stark effect]], which shifts their [[Energy|energy levels]] depending on their position. This shift results in a spatially varying energy [[Potential Energy|potential]], often described as a *potential landscape*, analogous to hills and valleys in a physical terrain. The periodic structure of high- and low-intensity regions forms what physicists call an optical lattice—a term borrowed from solid-state physics, where _lattice_ refers to regularly repeating structures. Each minimum in the potential corresponds to a _lattice site_, where individual atoms can reside. Atoms can move between these sites, a behavior that is crucial in [[Quantum Simulation|quantum simulation]] experiments, allowing scientists to study complex physical systems by mimicking the behavior of electrons in materials, among other applications. ![[optical_lattice.exaclidraw.light.svg]] >[!read]- Further Reading >[!ref]- References