Efficient loading of ultracold sodium atoms in an optical dipole trap from a high power fiber laser

We report on a research of the loading of ultracold sodium atoms in an optical dipole trap, generated by two beams from a high power fiber laser. The effects of optical trap light power on atomic number, temperature and phase space density are experimentally investigated. A simple theory is proposed and it is in good accordance with the experimental results of the loaded atomic numbers. In a general estimation, an optimal value for each beam with a power of 9 W from the fiber laser is achieved. Our results provide a further understanding of the loading process of optical dipole trap and laid the foundation for generation of a sodium Bose-Einstein condensation with an optical dipole trap.