Experimental realization of two-dimensional single-layer ultracold gases of Rb-87 in an accordion lattice

We experimentally realize two-dimensional (2D) single-layer ultracold gases of Rb-87 by dynamically tuning the periodicity of a standing wave, known as accordion lattice. In order to load Rb-87 Bose-Einstein condensate into single dark fringe node of the blue detuning optical lattice, we reduce the lattice periodicity from 26.7 mu m to 3.5 mu m with the help of an acousto-optic deflector (AOD) to compress the three-dimensional BEC adiabatically into a flat and uniform quasi-2D single-layer. We describe the experimental procedure of the atoms loading into the accordion lattice in detail and present the characteristics of the quasi-2D ultracold gases. This setup provides an important platform for studying in- and out-of equilibrium physics, phase transition and 2D topological matter.