  Recently we have demonstrated scalable, non-destructive, and high-fidelity
detection of the internal state of $^{87}$Rb neutral atoms in optical dipole
traps using state-dependent fluorescence imaging [M. Martinez-Dorantes et al.,
PRL, 2017]. In this article we provide experimental procedures and
interpretations to overcome the detrimental effects of heating-induced trap
losses and state leakage. We present models for the dynamics of optically
trapped atoms during state-dependent fluorescence imaging and verify our
results by comparing Monte Carlo simulations with experimental data. Our
systematic study of dipole force fluctuations heating in optical traps during
near-resonant illumination shows that off-resonant light is preferable for
state detection in tightly confining optical potentials.
