Characterization of Magneto-optical Trap For Experiments in Light-Atom Interfacing

This thesis presents the study of atomic cloud density and temperature in a magneto-optical trap (MOT). The purpose is to find the method in obtaining the densest and coldest cloud the setup can produce. In steady state trap, the highest atomic density possible is that of a cloud in multiple scattering regime where a repulsive force between atoms sets a limit to the density. The number of atoms loaded into the trap is controlled by the trapping beam intensity which also changes the temperature. Therefore the trap density and temperature cannot be controlled separately. The cloud compression is studied as a method of increasing atomic density above what is possible in steady state trap without noticeable influence on the cloud temperature. Cloud compression is also found when the cloud is translated by changing the magnetic field zero-point although in a less predictable fashion than the compression.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MSc)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Physics and Astronomy

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Graduate Studies

Year dc:date.issued

2012

Author dc:creator

• Palittapongarnpim, Pantita

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Lvovsky, Alexander

• Physics
• Physics--Atomic
• Optics

Statement dc:rights

• University of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.

Language dc:language.iso

eng

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/25277

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ucalgary.scholaris.ca:11023/287