Speaker: Dr Aidan Arnold
Affiliation: University of Strathclyde, Scotland

Abstract

There has been recent dramatic global investment in quantum technologies, which now often harness laser-cooled atom traps. Such traps yield orders-of-magnitude longer measurement times and concomitant accuracy enhancements promised within the small physical footprint already demonstrated in warm atomic systems. Six-beam magneto-optical traps (MOTs) are ubiquitous in cold atomic physics experiments, delivering dense and cold atomic vapours. Grating MOTs (GMOTs), used either in- or ex-vacuo, enable simple and robust MOT generation with a single input laser beam. Recent Strathclyde GMOT-based experimental results will be shown including a clock and a truly compact vacuum cell, before highlighting GMOT developments in other groups. Prospects for utilising reflective and transmissive micro-fabricated planar optics for single-input-beam high-stability optical lattices and Fresnel optical waveguides will also be discussed.

About Physics Seminars

The weekly Physics Seminar series focuses on a broad range of physics research within SMP, along with frequent presentations from visiting researchers. Seminars are usually scheduled for 1.00pm on Tuesdays.

The talks are typically more specialised than a colloquium but are often attended by staff and PhD students across a broad range of areas. Speakers are thus encouraged to include introductory material in the talks.

All SMP researchers and HDR students are encouraged to speak. Please email Lewis Williamson to register your interest.

The seminars are open so there is no need to register your attendance.