Semi-Automatic Retrieval of Temperature and

 

Density in a Magneto-Optical Trap

 

Dan Mickelson

 

K-State REU 2009

 

supervisor:  Brett D. DePaola

Research Group: MOTRIMS

 

newmot.jpg

The MOTRIMS Magneto-Optical Trap

 

 

 

Project:

Photo-association of molecules can be studied by exciting atoms of Rubidium in a magneto-optical trap (MOT). The number of molecules formed depends on the number of atoms present and how often they interact--both of which are related to temperature and density. Knowing the initial temperature and density of a MOT will allow MOTRIMS to recreate the conditions that lead to the formation of the highest number of molecules. Currently, the MOTRIMS lab does not have a way of measuring the density or temperature of these atoms. I am working to design, construct, and test an apparatus that can measure both.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 This program is funded by the National Science Foundation through grant number PHY-0851599.

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E-mail me at: mickelso@phys.ksu.edu