Precision measurements and studies of light-matter interactions using laser-cooled atoms

使用激光冷却原子精确测量和研究光与物质相互作用

• 批准号: 227627-2010
• 负责人: Kumarakrishnan, Anantharaman
• 金额: $ 1.97万
• 依托单位: York University
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2011
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2011-01-01 至 2012-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=478542
• 关键词: Precision; measurements; studies; light; matter

We have developed a new class of atom interferometers that exploit the wave nature of atoms in a sample of laser cooled rubidium atoms. Using these devices, we have developed several techniques to precisely measure the momentum absorbed by atoms from the lasers, a measurement related to a precise determination of the atomic fine structure constant. This quantity plays a central role in the description of the interaction between light and matter. One of the goals of this proposal is to make an independent state of the art measurement of this quantity using a new technique developed by this group. The same experiment can also result in a highly precise measurement of the acceleration due to gravity and serve as the basis for a gravimeter. Gravimeters are used widely for oil and mineral exploration and for correcting tidal charts. We have also proposed a new measurement of the Newtonian constant of gravitation and the continuation of experiments that measure magnetic interactions, atomic lifetimes and studies of laser like emissions called superfluorescence. During the last six years, this research programme has provided outstanding training opportunities for 5 PhD, 4 MS and 24 BS students of whom 2 PhD, 3 MS and 20 BS students have graduated with an excellent record of placement. Through this proposal, it is anticipated that new training opportunities will be facilitated for 9 graduate students (5 current, 4 new), 10 undergraduates and 1 postdoctoral fellow over the next 5 years. Student involvement has also resulted in a significant restructuring of laboratory courses at York University including the introduction of courses on laser spectroscopy and atom trapping for upper level students as well as the rejuvenation of second year laboratory courses pertaining to electromagnetism and optics. All students working in this group are exposed to current trends in atomic physics, new instrumentation and experimental methods. This area of research is very popular but continues to be underrepresented in Canada.

我们开发了一种新型原子干涉仪，它利用激光冷却铷原子样品中原子的波动性质。使用这些设备，我们开发了几种技术来精确测量原子从激光中吸收的动量，这种测量与精确确定原子精细结构常数有关。这个量在描述光与物质之间的相互作用中起着核心作用。 该提案的目标之一是使用该小组开发的新技术对该数量进行独立的最先进的测量。同样的实验还可以对重力加速度进行高精度测量，并作为重力计的基础。重力计广泛用于石油和矿产勘探以及潮汐图校正。我们还提出了一种新的牛顿万有引力常数测量方法，并继续进行测量磁相互作用、原子寿命的实验以及称为超荧光的激光发射研究。在过去的六年里，该研究项目为5名博士生、4名硕士生和24名学士生提供了良好的培训机会，其中2名博士生、3名硕士生和20名学士生以优异的就业记录毕业。通过该提案，预计未来 5 年内将为 9 名研究生（5 名在读生、4 名新生）、10 名本科生和 1 名博士后提供新的培训机会。学生的参与还导致约克大学实验室课程的重大重组，包括为高年级学生引入激光光谱学和原子捕获课程，以及振兴第二年有关电磁学和光学的实验室课程。该小组的所有学生都会接触到原子物理学、新仪器和实验方法的当前趋势。该研究领域非常受欢迎，但在加拿大的代表性仍然不足。