Cooling atoms dynamics with lasers

• Grant number: 05/01579-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2005
• End date: July 31, 2006
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Atomic and Molecular Physics
• Principal Investigator: Flavio Caldas da Cruz
• Grantee: Danilo Borim do Nascimento
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física Gleb Wataghin (IFGW). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

We intend to study the dynamics of laser cooling of atoms, with application to experiments in alkaline-earth atoms. A study of the atom-radiation interaction using semi-classical theory will be pursued, in order to obtain the relevant equations for laser cooling, such as for the radiation pressure, as function of experimental parameters. Specific goals include the development of computer programs, using the software Mathematica to simulate the dynamics of an ensemble of atoms from a decelerated atomic beam, as well as atoms in optical molasses or in a magneto optical trap. This simulation will be useful to optimize the experimental parameters, in order to maximize the number of atoms or the final temperature. (AU)