Realization and research of optically-trapped quantum degenerate gases

With experimental realization of atomic Bose–Einstein condensation (BEC) and rapid development of laser cooling and trapping techniques, all optical routes to quantum degenerate gases and related experimental studies have generated considerable interests and activities in the field of atomic, molecular and optical physics. Here, we discuss special features of two kinds of far-off-resonance optical dipole traps (FORT) and present a review of recent experimental realization and research of optically-trapped quantum degenerate gases. Topics covered include optical confinement and manipulation of atomic BECs, Feshbach resonance and photoassociation methods, all-optical realization of atomic BEC and atom laser, all-optical generation of ultracold molecules, and fermionization of Bose atomic gases. This review also includes all optical or hybrid optical–magnetic preparation of quantum degenerate Fermi gases and molecular BECs, realization of condensations of fermionic atom pairs, and studies of BEC–BCS (Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffev) crossovers. Finally, applications of all-optical quantum degenerate gases and future prospects are briefly discussed.