Multi-channel laser system including an acoustic-optic modulator (AOM) with atom trap and related methods

A system comprising:

• a laser source configured to generate a laser light beam;
• an atom trap;
• a first beamsplitter configured to split the laser light beam into a first laser light beam and a third laser light beam for the atom trap;
• a multi-channel acousto-optic modulator (AOM) comprising
• a second beamsplitter to split the first laser light beam into a plurality of second laser light beams for the atom trap,
• a common acousto-optic medium configured to receive the plurality of second laser light beams, and
• a respective plurality of electrodes coupled to the common acousto-optic medium for each of the second laser light beams;
• and
• a plurality of radio frequency (RF) drivers each configured to generate respective RF drive signals for each of the plurality of electrodes.

A method comprising:

• generating a first laser light beam using a laser source;
• splitting the first laser light beam into a plurality of second laser light beams for the atom trap using a beamsplitter;
• receiving the plurality of second laser light beams at a common acousto-optic medium configured having a respective plurality of electrodes coupled thereto for each of the second laser light beams;
• and
• generating respective RF drive signals for each of the plurality of electrodes using a plurality of radio frequency (RF) drivers.