Dipole traps and optical lattices for quantum simulations

Baumert, Mathis (2013). Dipole traps and optical lattices for quantum simulations. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Research on Bose Einstein condensates has over the past few years developed into an interesting field of physics. Current research aims for the creation of working quantum simulators which may be able to help explain and understand condensed matter physics phenomena which as yet cannot be explained. The research leading up to the experiment outlined in this thesis is intended to contribute to the understanding of these phenomena particularly that of 2D quantum systems.

In the course of this thesis trapping and manipulation schemes for dipole traps and optical lattices will be introduced. Numerical simulations have been conducted to assess the dependency of parameters leading to a stable, optimised dipole trap. The design of an aspherical dipole trap was used, set up and characterised.

Numerical simulations of maximally localized Wannier functions were carried out to obtain and understand the interactions in optical lattices and to postulate further parameters for the experiment.

A fast and stable computer control was devised using the latest field-programmable-gate-array (FPGA) technology. The robustness and versatility of this technology was proved by adapting the software to suit different hardware and using the control in four different experiments. The electronic systems for the hardware used have been developed to yield a timing of 25ns for the digital channels and 1μs for the analogue channels.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):