Constucting a Magneto-optical Trap (MOT) as a means to Bose- Einstein Condensate (BEC)

Authors

Christian Mulmat, DePauw University

Files

Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

10-2-2019

Abstract

This research was focused on the construction of a magneto-optical trap (MOT) to create a Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC) of 87Rb. The BEC is the coldest of the five states of matter functioning at a minuscule temperature of nanokelvin. A BEC is as close as we can get to absolute zero. Thus making it a valuable tool for researching the fundamental physics of quantum systems. Our setup utilizes both a high pressure and low-pressure MOT. The high-pressure MOT initiates the process with a high vapor density allowing for better Rb collection. The trapped atoms are then transported to the low-pressure MOT where there are no other atoms. Rb atoms are further cooled to a Bose-Einstein condensate temperature and are moved with more current-carrying coils to the glass BEC chamber. In the BEC chamber all Rb atoms are identical at their lowest quantum state. Although the process can be phrased in a few short sentences the setup and characterization of the entire system takes months to years of construction. # 43- 46 Environmental Fellows Program: Student Practicums

Department

University of Miami

Funding and Acknowledgements

Funding: Science Research Fellows Program

Recommended Citation

Mulmat, Christian, "Constucting a Magneto-optical Trap (MOT) as a means to Bose- Einstein Condensate (BEC)" (2019). Annual Student Research Poster Session. 196.
https://scholarship.depauw.edu/srfposters/196