Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons™

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

2009

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics

Articles 1 - 1 of 1

Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Constructing A Magneto-Optical Trap For Cold Atom Trapping, Eric S. Muckley Dec 2009

Constructing A Magneto-Optical Trap For Cold Atom Trapping, Eric S. Muckley

Physics

A magneto-optical trap, or MOT, is a device that traps atoms between three pairs of opposing perpendicular laser beams for cooling the atoms to temperatures near absolute zero. The MOT uses Doppler cooling and a magnetic quadrupole field to trap the atoms; in our case, Rb87 atoms. In the future, the MOT will be used in experiments pertaining to the advancement of quantum computing. In this paper, I explain some of the processes required for construction and operation of the MOT.

Go to article