No description available.

Atomic beam experiments are limited by intensity. Intensity limitations are specially critical in the measurements of metastable atoms, since their relative population is several order of magnitude smaller than the beam population. This thesis provides a method for increasing the intensity of metastable argon and neon beams effusing from a hot cathode, glow discharge by use of a longitudinal magnetic field. The argon and neon metastable atom intensities have been measured for a range of discharge pressure, voltage, and current for a magnetic field strengths from 0 to 31 mT. For both argon and neon, the metastable atom beam intensity rises to a maximum value about one order of magnitude above the zero field case. A qualitative discussion of the theory of this phenomenon is also presented.

Desde o desenvolvimento de técnicas para controlar o movimento atômico usando a força de pressão de radiação, muitas aplicações tem sido sugeridas e implementadas. Entre estas, o aprisionamento atômico e o desenvolvimento de estruturas espaciais com átomos frios merece atenção especial devido à sua potencial aplicação em depósitos superficiais como litografia. Realizamos, neste trabalho, um estudo sobre feixes atômicos e sua desaceleração e compressão espacial. Realizamos também estudos numéricos sobre a formação de estruturas em anéis em feixes atômicos, verificando ser factível, e estudando também a compressão destas estruturas espaciais, com vistas a possíveis aplicações em nanolitografia atômica. / From the very beginning of the development of atomic motion control techniques using the radiation pressure force, a variety of applications have been suggested and implemented. Of all these, atomic trapping techniques and the development of spatial structures using cold atoms deserves special attention due to its potential application to surface deposition such as lithography. In the present work, we perform a study on atomic beams and their deceleration and spatial compression. We also perform numerical studies and present experimental observation of the realization of spatial ring structures in atomic beams, verifying its factibility, and we study the compression of such ring-shaped structures with application in atomic nanolithography as the ultimate goal.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Chicago, Dept of Chemistry, August 2003. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (Master's)--University of California, Berkeley. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 33-35). 54

Desde o desenvolvimento de técnicas para controlar o movimento atômico usando a força de pressão de radiação, muitas aplicações tem sido sugeridas e implementadas. Entre estas, o aprisionamento atômico e o desenvolvimento de estruturas espaciais com átomos frios merece atenção especial devido à sua potencial aplicação em depósitos superficiais como litografia. Realizamos, neste trabalho, um estudo sobre feixes atômicos e sua desaceleração e compressão espacial. Realizamos também estudos numéricos sobre a formação de estruturas em anéis em feixes atômicos, verificando ser factível, e estudando também a compressão destas estruturas espaciais, com vistas a possíveis aplicações em nanolitografia atômica. / From the very beginning of the development of atomic motion control techniques using the radiation pressure force, a variety of applications have been suggested and implemented. Of all these, atomic trapping techniques and the development of spatial structures using cold atoms deserves special attention due to its potential application to surface deposition such as lithography. In the present work, we perform a study on atomic beams and their deceleration and spatial compression. We also perform numerical studies and present experimental observation of the realization of spatial ring structures in atomic beams, verifying its factibility, and we study the compression of such ring-shaped structures with application in atomic nanolithography as the ultimate goal.

No description available.

No description available.

This thesis is concerned with the guiding of cold atoms using optical forces, which is of great importance in the field of atom optics. Atomic beams can be used for precision sensor equipment, building nano-scale structures, construction of quantum computers and to further the understanding of the properties of atoms. Atoms are guided along light beams using the dipole force; there are two regimes under which this force works. Typically red-detuned guides are used (atoms are attracted towards the light) such guides, however, require large detuning and high powers. In this thesis we investigate the use of blue-detuned (atoms are repelled from the light) hollow light beams of moderate power (a few hundred mW) and confine atoms in the dark centre of the beams. Several magneto-optical traps (MOTs) have been constructed to exploit different guiding geometries. Hollow beams have been generated using a variety of methods; in particular the use of a computer controlled spatial light modulator (SLM) has provided great versatility and simplicity to the experimental arrangements. First, experiments were performed with a low-velocity intense source (LVIS) of atoms. A co-linear LG beam significantly enhances the observed flux, however, considerable difficulties are encountered loading atoms into oblique guides. Imaging a hole in the walls of the light tube was used to improve the loading efficiency. Second, guiding a free-falling atom cloud is performed using a non-diffracting Bessel beam. It is found that while the potential of the Bessel beam is steeper than equivalent LG beams the power distribution across the beam severely limits its usefulness. The next study investigated higher-order LG guide beams generated with an SLM. High order modes have a narrower profile so confine the atoms with less interaction with the guide beam, leading to a more natural guide (as opposed to a pushing force). Finally the SLM was used to create non-trivial beam shapes for beam splitters and interferometers.

Since Feynman's realization of using quantum systems to investigate quantum dynamics, interest in creating controllable quantum systems to simulate condensed matter phenomenon has been high. With the realization of BECs in 1995, the realization of a relatively clean testbed for simulating some of these phenomenon became a reality. My PhD research has been an exploration of the production and use of Bose-Einstein Condensates for the study of superfluidity. The first 3 years have been spent in the actual building of a Na BEC apparatus. During this time, we’ve implemented a distinct technique to trap ultra cold Na atoms, i.e. the Optically Plugged Trap. In the process, we have shown how atoms in a linear trap can show spin metastability and thus maintain a nonequilibrium state for long periods of time. In studying the interaction of ultra-cold atoms with light, we have developed a technique to measure the velocity distribution of atoms using a standing optical wave (Bragg Spectroscopy). Alongside this, we have also created optical traps for atoms in which we can change to shape of the trap itself to probe different condensed matter systems. The eventual goal being the investigation of condensed matter physics, specifically superfluidity, using ultra-cold atoms.