Progress on a new BSU Rb MOT Experiment using ColdQuanta MiniMOT for Research and Teaching Labs
POSTER
Abstract
Rubidium Magneto-Optical Traps are ubiquitous throughout the fundamental studies and applications of quantum physics. MOTs are used for precise measurements of time, gravitational fields, the study and creation of 1/2/3-D lattices for new applications and materials, a source of cold atoms for qubits in quantum computers, and even for fundamental tests of emergent space-time (quantum gravity) studies. [1]
Prior work toward a Rb MOT at Bridgewater State University had been based on using a single free space laser with a custom vacuum. In an effort to finally achieve the MOT for research purposes and potentially for a more realistic laser-cooling and trapping experiment in our teaching advanced labs, we have strived for a more streamlined approach. This approach uses a commercially available ColdQuanta [2] MiniMOT system that includes a combined Rb gas source and vacuum chamber with a built in Helmholtz coil system that are both conveniently controlled by a central mini control unit. We created a new optical design with two separate Toptica [3] 780 nm tunable External Cavity Diode Lasers. One of the ECDLs is the newer fiber coupled DLPro laser that we use as the pump laser. This pump laser is used in combination with a fiber-coupled compact Doppler Free Saturated Absorption Spectroscopy Toptica COSY. Here, as the DLPro scans over the Rb resonances, the DFSAS absorption signal is fed into the DLPro laser controller where it can be viewed, and the user can then software lock to a point on the DFSAS spectrum.
The Rb MOT program supplements both of BSU's Physics and new (2022) Photonics and Optical Engineering programs offering undergraduate research and new generation advanced lab experiments that coincides and compliments new initiatives in both departments for Quantum Information Sciences for example new directions using cold atoms as qubits for quantum computing and simulations.[1]
[1.] Rushton, J. A., Matthew Aldous, and M. D. Himsworth. "Contributed review: The feasibility of a fully miniaturized magneto-optical trap for portable ultracold quantum technology." Review of Scientific Instruments 85.12 (2014).
[2.] https://coldquanta.com/systems/cold-atom-method/
[3.] https://www.toptica.com/products/tunable-diode-lasers/ecdl-dfb-lasers/dl-pro
Prior work toward a Rb MOT at Bridgewater State University had been based on using a single free space laser with a custom vacuum. In an effort to finally achieve the MOT for research purposes and potentially for a more realistic laser-cooling and trapping experiment in our teaching advanced labs, we have strived for a more streamlined approach. This approach uses a commercially available ColdQuanta [2] MiniMOT system that includes a combined Rb gas source and vacuum chamber with a built in Helmholtz coil system that are both conveniently controlled by a central mini control unit. We created a new optical design with two separate Toptica [3] 780 nm tunable External Cavity Diode Lasers. One of the ECDLs is the newer fiber coupled DLPro laser that we use as the pump laser. This pump laser is used in combination with a fiber-coupled compact Doppler Free Saturated Absorption Spectroscopy Toptica COSY. Here, as the DLPro scans over the Rb resonances, the DFSAS absorption signal is fed into the DLPro laser controller where it can be viewed, and the user can then software lock to a point on the DFSAS spectrum.
The Rb MOT program supplements both of BSU's Physics and new (2022) Photonics and Optical Engineering programs offering undergraduate research and new generation advanced lab experiments that coincides and compliments new initiatives in both departments for Quantum Information Sciences for example new directions using cold atoms as qubits for quantum computing and simulations.[1]
[1.] Rushton, J. A., Matthew Aldous, and M. D. Himsworth. "Contributed review: The feasibility of a fully miniaturized magneto-optical trap for portable ultracold quantum technology." Review of Scientific Instruments 85.12 (2014).
[2.] https://coldquanta.com/systems/cold-atom-method/
[3.] https://www.toptica.com/products/tunable-diode-lasers/ecdl-dfb-lasers/dl-pro
Presenters
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Thomas J Melody
Bridgewater State University
Authors
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Thomas J Melody
Bridgewater State University