Department or Program

Physics and Astronomy

Abstract

A growing subfield of atomic physics is focused on the miniaturization of Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC)-producing apparatus. Perhaps the largest step forward in this area was the development of the so-called “atom chip.” These microfabricated devices can create tight traps for neutral atoms. In 2018, NASA’s Cold Atom Laboratory (CAL) was launched and installed aboard the International Space Station (ISS). It utilizes a modified miniature atom chip apparatus produced by ColdQuanta called the RuBECi. In this thesis, we present progress towards achieving BEC in a Bates-owned RuBECi, particularly focusing on the laser cooling and magneto-optical trapping stages of the BEC process.

Level of Access

Open Access

First Advisor

Lundblad, Nathan

Date of Graduation

5-2020

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Number of Pages

70

Open Access

Available to all.

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