We propose a method for producing dense ensembles of cold neutral atoms without the use of magnetic fields. The method, which we call an opto-optical trap (OOT), is similar to the commonly used magneto-optical trap (MOT) but replaces the quadrupole magnetic field with additional laser beams that produce an equivalent effective magnetic field. We find through simulation that equivalent performance between the OOT and MOT is achieved for ${}^{174}\mathrm{Yb}$. We present a theoretical description of this method, followed by detailed simulations for the level structure of ${}^{174}\mathrm{Yb}$, and we discuss the unique advantages and challenges of this scheme for atom cooling and trapping. This method may enable a variety of ultracold-atom experiments that were previously limited by the presence of a MOT.

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• Atom & ion cooling
• Atom & ion trapping & guiding
• Optical lattices & traps
• Atoms
• Trapped atoms