Project

Control of external potentials in a Bose-Einstein Condensate

Code
319304520
Duration
01 May 2020 → 30 April 2024
Funding
Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO)
Research disciplines
  • Natural sciences
    • Degenerate quantum gases and atom optics
    • Quantum information, computation and communication
    • Quantum optics
Keywords
Quantum Optics Bose Einstein Condensate Quantum Computing
 
Project description

Cold atom experiments worldwide are currently playing a
leading role in our exploration of the quantum realm. To
kick-start this line of research in Flanders, we are setting up
a first Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) experiment. A BEC
consists of several thousands of atoms cooled with
advanced magneto-optical techniques to a temperature
less than a microKelvin. At these extremely low
temperatures the atoms condense into one coherent
quantum state that can be controlled and manipulated,
thereby providing a unique window onto the quantum
behavior of many body systems.
We are applying for a state of the art custom-designed
projection laser system that will be vital for doing actual
research with the BEC system. This system will “paint”
optical traps onto the cloud of BEC atoms, with a high
resolution and framerate. This high level of control on the
BEC turns it into a genuine quantum simulator. We plan
experiments on cutting-edge topics in quantum many body
physics, including: non-equilibrium phenomena like prethermalization,
quantum turbulence and collective BEC
excitations. In addition, in the context of quantum
technological applications, we plan to explore the possible
interfacing of BEC atoms with photonic devices.
Our consortium is a collaboration of applied and
fundamental physicists, with (co)-supervisors of 5 research
groups, both from the science and engineering faculty of
UGent. It is also a interuniversity collaboration with cosupervisors
from UA and KUL.