50 research outputs found
Atomic interaction effects in the superradiant light scattering from a Bose-Einstein condensate
We investigate the effects of the atomic interaction in the Superradiant
Rayleigh scattering from a Bose-Einstein condensate driven by a far-detuned
laser beam. We show that for a homogeneous atomic sample the atomic interaction
has only a dispersive effect, whereas in the inhomogeneous case it may increase
the decay of the matter-wave grating.Comment: 12 pages, 4 figures, presented to the XII International Laser Physics
Workshop, August 24-29, Hamburg, to be published in Laser Physic
Sequential superradiant scattering from atomic Bose-Einstein condensates
We theoretically discuss several aspects of sequential superradiant
scattering from atomic Bose-Einstein condensates. Our treatment is based on the
semiclassical description of the process in terms of the Maxwell-Schroedinger
equations for the coupled matter-wave and optical fields. First, we investigate
sequential scattering in the weak-pulse regime and work out the essential
mechanisms responsible for bringing about the characteristic fan-shaped
side-mode distribution patterns. Second, we discuss the transition between the
Kapitza-Dirac and Bragg regimes of sequential scattering in the strong-pulse
regime. Finally, we consider the situation where superradiance is initiated by
coherently populating an atomic side mode through Bragg diffraction, as in
studies of matter-wave amplification, and describe the effect on the sequential
scattering process.Comment: 9 pages, 4 figures. Submitted to Proceedings of LPHYS'06 worksho
Versatile transporter apparatus for experiments with optically trapped Bose-Einstein condensates
We describe a versatile and simple scheme for producing magnetically and
optically-trapped Rb-87 Bose-Einstein condensates, based on a moving-coil
transporter apparatus. The apparatus features a TOP trap that incorporates the
movable quadrupole coils used for magneto-optical trapping and long-distance
magnetic transport of atomic clouds. As a stand-alone device, this trap allows
for the stable production of condensates containing up to one million atoms. In
combination with an optical dipole trap, the TOP trap acts as a funnel for
efficient loading, after which the quadrupole coils can be retracted, thereby
maximizing optical access. The robustness of this scheme is illustrated by
realizing the superfluid-to-Mott insulator transition in a three-dimensional
optical lattice
Matter wave pulses characteristics
We study the properties of quantum single-particle wave pulses created by
sharp-edged or apodized shutters with single or periodic openings. In
particular, we examine the visibility of diffraction fringes depending on
evolution time and temperature; the purity of the state depending on the
opening-time window; the accuracy of a simplified description which uses
``source'' boundary conditions instead of solving an initial value problem; and
the effects of apodization on the energy width.Comment: 11 pages, 11 figure
Thermometry with spin-dependent lattices
We propose a method for measuring the temperature of strongly correlated
phases of ultracold atom gases confined in spin-dependent optical lattices. In
this technique, a small number of "impurity" atoms--trapped in a state that
does not experience the lattice potential--are in thermal contact with atoms
bound to the lattice. The impurity serves as a thermometer for the system
because its temperature can be straightforwardly measured using time-of-flight
expansion velocity. This technique may be useful for resolving many open
questions regarding thermalization in these isolated systems. We discuss the
theory behind this method and demonstrate proof-of-principle experiments,
including the first realization of a 3D spin-dependent lattice in the strongly
correlated regime.Comment: 22 pages, 8 figures v2: Several references added; Section on heating
rates updated to include dipole fluctuation terms; Section added on the
limitations of the proposed method. To appear in New Journal of Physic
A two-state Raman coupler for coherent atom optics
We present results on a Raman laser-system that resonantly drives a closed
two-photon transition between two levels in different hyperfine ground states
of 87Rb. The coupler is based on a novel optical design for producing two
phase-coherent optical beams to drive a Raman transition. Operated as an
outcoupler, it produces an atom laser in a single internal atomic state, with
the lower divergence and increased brightness typical of a Raman outcoupler.
Due to the optical nature of the outcoupling, the two-state outcoupler is an
ideal candidate for transferring photon correlations onto atom-laser beams. As
our laser system couples just two hyperfine ground states, it has also been
used as an internal state beamsplitter, taking the next major step towards free
space Ramsey interferometry with an atom laser.Comment: 7 Pages, 4 figures: Revised and published in Optics Expres
Atom Chips
Atoms can be trapped and guided using nano-fabricated wires on surfaces,
achieving the scales required by quantum information proposals. These Atom
Chips form the basis for robust and widespread applications of cold atoms
ranging from atom optics to fundamental questions in mesoscopic physics, and
possibly quantum information systems
Quantitative Histomorphometry of the Healthy Peritoneum
The peritoneum plays an essential role in preventing abdominal frictions and adhesions and can be utilized as a dialysis membrane. Its physiological ultrastructure, however, has not yet been studied systematically. 106 standardized peritoneal and 69 omental specimens were obtained from 107 patients (0.1-60 years) undergoing surgery for disease not affecting the peritoneum for automated quantitative histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry. The mesothelial cell layer morphology and protein expression pattern is similar across all age groups. Infants below one year have a thinner submesothelium; inflammation, profibrotic activity and mesothelial cell translocation is largely absent in all age groups. Peritoneal blood capillaries, lymphatics and nerve fibers locate in three distinct submesothelial layers. Blood vessel density and endothelial surface area follow a U-shaped curve with highest values in infants below one year and lowest values in children aged 7-12 years. Lymphatic vessel density is much lower, and again highest in infants. Omental blood capillary density correlates with parietal peritoneal findings, whereas only few lymphatic vessels are present. The healthy peritoneum exhibits major thus far unknown particularities, pertaining to functionally relevant structures, and subject to substantial changes with age. The reference ranges established here provide a framework for future histomorphometric analyses and peritoneal transport modeling approaches. © 2016, EDP Science. All rights reserved
Physics with Coherent Matter Waves
This review discusses progress in the new field of coherent matter waves, in
particular with respect to Bose-Einstein condensates. We give a short
introduction to Bose-Einstein condensation and the theoretical description of
the condensate wavefunction. We concentrate on the coherence properties of this
new type of matter wave as a basis for fundamental physics and applications.
The main part of this review treats various measurements and concepts in the
physics with coherent matter waves. In particular we present phase manipulation
methods, atom lasers, nonlinear atom optics, optical elements, interferometry
and physics in optical lattices. We give an overview of the state of the art in
the respective fields and discuss achievements and challenges for the future