Quantum Statistics of Degenerate Bose Gases

University Of Texas At Austin, Austin TX

Investigators

Abstract

This experimental research program focuses on the study and control of the quantum statistics of atoms. The foundation for the proposed work is a unique system that has been developed primarily for this purpose. The starting point is a standard Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC) apparatus in rubidium, and a parallel system in sodium. Condensed atoms are transferred to a novel optical "box trap" which provides tight confinement in two dimensions and the capability of arbitrary potentials along the third (axial) dimension. The rubidium system will be devoted to quantum control, with the creation of single-atom Fock states. The sodium experiment will be devoted to the first statistical study of quantum critical phenomena, which should be able to explore the phase diagrams and phase transitions for a degenerate Bose gas. The broader impact of the program involves education, efforts at diversity and applications to quantum computing.