Physics with New Atomic Systems: Quantum Interactions, Cooling and Applications

Harvard University, Cambridge MA

Investigators

Abstract

This experimental research program has a goal to magnetically trap, cool, and study a wide range of atoms, among them nitrogen, nickel, bismuth, samarium, neodymium, praseodymium, and dysprosium. These atoms include Fermionic species, atoms with high magnetic moments, heavy atoms, and atoms with non-zero orbital angular momentum and non-trivial shell structure (i.e. with collapsed orbitals). The collisional interactions of these new species will be studied, furthering the understanding of cold collision physics. The creation of atomic Fermi and Bose degenerate gases with high magnetic moment will be sought. The broader impact of the program may involve the development of new electronic materials or the creation of a quantum computer.