@article{2000-frese-meschede-phys-rev-lett-v85-p3777, Abstract = {We describe a simple experimental technique which allows us to store a small and deterministic number of neutral atoms in an optical dipole trap. The desired atom number is prepared in a magneto-optical trap overlapped with a single focused Nd:YAG laser beam. Dipole trap loading efficiency of 100% and storage times of about one minute have been achieved. We have also prepared atoms in a certain hyperfine state and demonstrated the feasibility of a state-selective detection via resonance fluorescence at the level of a few neutral atoms. A spin relaxation time of the polarized sample of $4.2\pm 0.7$ s has been measured. Possible applications are briefly discussed.}, Author = {Frese, D. AND Ueberholz, B. AND Kuhr, S. AND Alt, W. AND Schrader, D. AND Gomer, V. AND Meschede, D.}, Journal = {Phys. Rev. Lett.}, Pages = {3777}, Title = {{Single Atoms in an Optical Dipole Trap: Towards a Deterministic Source of Cold Atoms}}, Volume = {85}, Year = {2000} }