Rb MOT
By Hridhaan, Jack, Sarah, Dev
A magneto-optical trap (MOT) cools atoms to microkelvin range temperatures by trapping atoms within perpendicular laser beams and varying magnetic fields [1]. A MOT uses opposing photon emission and absorption to reduce an atom’s speed, consequently reducing its temperature. By combining this with a magnetic field, the MOT works to trap an atom in a particular location to a near standstill (10 cm/s) [1]. At these extremely low temperatures, the atomic particles can be used to study phenomena such as Bose-Einstein condensation and enable various applications in quantum simulation, precision measurement, and quantum computing [2]. This project will aim to complete the MOT that the TJ Quantum Lab has worked on for the past two years. By constructing and optimizing a functional MOT system within the school environment, we hope to achieve ultracold atomic cooling of rubidium atoms. Once operational, this project will allow the TJ Quantum Lab to observe, study, and experiment with the unique quantum properties of ultracold atoms.
A MOT takes advantage of various quantum phenomena, including Doppler cooling and the Zeeman effect [1]. By building a MOT, we will attempt to manipulate atoms’ energy states and resonance to hold them at near zero velocity. If successful, we will be able to observe ultracold atoms’ quantum wave properties in Bose-Einstein condensate, a state of matter frequently researched for its macroscopic quantum behaviors.
By completing the MOT at TJ, we hope to provide a platform for future students to observe quantum behavior and produce new experiments that explore the fundamentals of quantum physics. Ultracold atoms are necessary for improving quantum computing and precision devices such as atomic clocks and stable qubit lattices [3]. With the cold neutral atoms the MOT produces, creating such devices becomes possible. Thus, we allow future students to pursue further understanding in quantum physics through research in the TJ Quantum Lab.