Master thesis:
An ultracold atomic source for potassium atoms
In recent years ultracold atomic gases have emerged as a new
and promising platform for exploring the physics of quantummany body systems, allowing researchers to revisit fundamental
problems of condensed-matter physics such as superconductivity
or magnetism. By trapping ultracold atoms in the periodic
potential of interfering laser beams, it has indeed become
possible to engineer very clean “materials” whose parameters
can be tuned in a wide range. This bottom-up approach comes
very close to Feynman’s idea of a “quantum simulator”, and
should give a new access to long standing open problems such as
frustrated quantum magnetism or high-temperature
superconductivity. Furthermore, these systems also allow for the
realization of completely novel situations without counterpart in
the solid-state context.
In our newly established Ultracold Quantum Gases group at ICFO
(Barcelona), we plan to explore the physics emerging in artificial
quantum materials with complex lattice structures. This requires
the construction of a sophisticated experimental apparatus
where, by combining laser cooling and evaporative cooling
techniques in an ultra-high vacuum chamber, Bose-Einstein
condensates and degenerate Fermi gases will be produced. The
goal of this Master thesis project is to design, build and
characterize the first step of our new ultracold atoms
experiment: a 2D magneto-optical trap of potassium atoms.
References:
J. Catani, P. Maioli, L. De Sarlo, F. Minardi and M. Inguscio, Phys. Rev. A 73, 033415 (2006)
S. Chaudhuri, S. Roy and U. Unniskrishnan, Phys. Rev. A 74, 023406 (2006)
We are seeking for a candidate with a good background in quantum mechanics and optics. We offer
the opportunity to acquire training in both cutting-edge experimental techniques (optics,
electronics, ultra-high vacuum and computer assisted design) and fundamental physics while
working in a small team of PhD students and postdocs.
For more information please contact Leticia Tarruell – [email protected]
Ultracold Quantum Gases Group – http://www.qge.icfo.es
ICFO – The Institute of Photonic Sciences
Av. Carl Friedrich Gauss, 3
08860 Castelldefels (Barcelona), Spain