  Circular Rydberg atoms (CRAs), i.e., Rydberg atoms with maximal orbital
momentum, are highly promising for quantum computation, simulation and sensing.
They combine long natural lifetimes with strong inter-atomic interactions and
coupling to electromagnetic fields. Trapping individual CRAs is essential to
harness these unique features. We report the first demonstration of CRAs
laser-trapping in a programmable array of optical bottle beams. We observe the
decay of a trapped Rubidium circular level over 5ms using a novel optical
detection method. This first optical detection of alkali CRAs is both
spatially- and level selective. We finally observe the mechanical oscillations
of the CRAs in the traps. This work opens the route to the use of circular
levels in quantum devices. It is also promising for quantum simulation and
information processing using the full extent of Rydberg manifolds.
