Homer L. Dodge Department
of Physics and Astronomy
The University of Oklahoma

 

The goal of our research program is to investigate Bose-Einstein
condensation of atomic gases, to develop new atom interferometric techniques, to create more accurate and precise atomic clocks, and to trap and study ultracold molecules. We use a variety of lasers and magnetic fields that can cool atoms to a range of temperatures colder than anything else in the known universe (between 10 nanoKelvin and 100 microKelvin.) At these temperatures, the wave-like nature of atoms is
enhanced allowing studies of the exotic, quantum-mechanical nature of matter.

Over 70 years ago, Albert Einstein predicted that a gas of non-interacting particles could undergo a phase transition, collecting a macroscopic number of particles into the same quantum state. The gas must be cooled to where the de Broglie wavelengths of the individual atoms overlap. This concept of Bose-Einstein condensation has since been an integral part of the understanding of strongly interacting systems such as superfluids and superconductors. However, BEC in dilute atomic gasses more accurately approximates Einstein's original prediction for non-interacting particles.

Another area of investigation with practical applications is to improve current atomic clocks. Atomic clocks are important to a wide range of scientific research (astronomy and tests of general relativity) as well as commercial and governmental applications (communications, global positioning systems, and deep space navigation.) While laser cooling and trapping techniques have produced a revolution in atomic physics, it is limited to a few atoms. We hope to extend ultracold trapping techniques to molecules.

This work is a solid combination of both optical and atomic physics. We use semi-conductor diode lasers with the latest in optic, fiber optic, acoustic-optic and electro-optic technology. The experiments use Rubidium atoms and take place in ultra-high vacuum at pressures as low as 10^{-11} Torr, and utillize state-of-the-art, as well as home-built, microwave, rf, and DC electronics.