Thesis

Exploring Fresnel holography for optically guided atom interferometry with Bose-Einstein condensates

Creator
Rights statement
Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
  • Scottish Universities Physics Alliance
Date of award
  • 2018
Thesis identifier
  • T15022
Person Identifier (Local)
  • 201477727
Qualification Level
Qualification Name
Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • The progress and practicality of quantum technologies, such as rotation sensing, are contingent on the portability of existing ultracold atom technologies and the exploration of new alternative techniques. In response to this, we integrate existing knowledge with new Fresnel zone plate (FZP) holograms to begin the development of a compact Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) interferometry device. Utilising high precision microfabrication, FZPs are exciting candidates for the production of static trapping potentials useful to atomtronics, interferometry, and fundamental physics. They are particularly useful for quantum technologies due to their simplicity and the potential for low cost mass-production. We detail the build status of a new 87Rb BEC experiment, designed for prototyping new waveguide technologies for atom interferometry. The experiment is deliberately modular to enable smooth upgrades. This is complemented by brief reporting of results from an existing BEC experiment. Density fluctuations indicating underlying phase fluctuations were observed in an elongated cigar shaped BEC. The suitability of FZPs has been demonstrated with computational simulations comparing FZPs to spatial light modulators. Experimental imaging of various manufactured ring patterns gives an average RMS error in the brightest 10% of 3% with respect to trap depth. Typical optical profiles have residual limitations due to the imaging system, beam shape and alignment. The axial propagation of the potentials is presented experimentally and through numerical simulations; weak axial trapping is expected, though this is insufficient to support against gravity. A novel method by which the azimuthal optical potential at the FZP can be simply mapped into the imaged ring is also presented. The outlook for a second generation of kinoforms has been studied, with a view to allow for sub-wavelength spatial resolution and larger kinoforms. We detail a dark ring potential suitable for production with an FZP kinoform and map the parameter space possible for rings produced using FZPs.
Advisor / supervisor
  • Riis, Erling
  • Arnold, Aidan
Resource Type
Note
  • Previously held under moratorium from 26th October 2018 until 26th October 2022.
DOI
Date Created
  • 2018
Former identifier
  • 9912679993202996

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