Complex sentence: An optical lattice is formed by the interference of counterpropagating laser beams, which creates a periodic (in space) intensity pattern, and the resulting periodic potential can then be used to trap neutral atoms via the Stark shift.
Split into simpler sentences: An optical lattice is formed by the interference of counterpropagating laser beams, which creates a periodic (in space) intensity pattern. The resulting periodic potential can then be used to trap neutral atoms via the Stark shift.