Session L1: Quantum Control of AMO Processes

1:30 PM–4:30 PM, Friday, May 20, 2005
Burnham Yates Conference Center Room: Ballroom II

Chair: Carlton Caves, University of New Mexico

Abstract ID: BAPS.2005.DAMOP.L1.4

Abstract: L1.00004 : Quantum Control and Transport of a Bose-Einstein Condensate

3:18 PM–3:54 PM

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Author:

  Mark Raizen
    (Center for Nonlinear Dynamics and Department of Physics, The University of Texas at Austin)

I will discuss recent work in my group on many-body quantum control and transport. In our rubidium experiment, a single Bose-Einstein condensate is optically trapped in crossed TEM01 modes, and we achieve confinement in two dimensions that is comparable to an optical lattice, but with single-atom addressability and detection. These conditions should enable the experimental realization of a ``quantum tweezer'' for atoms, preparation of atomic number states, and controlled atomic entanglement. In our sodium experiment we focus on the study of many-body quantum transport. Our system consists of a BEC confined to a hybrid magnetic/optical trap.~ Transverse confinement is provided by a 2-D axially symmetric magnetic trap and the BEC is confined axially by two focused spots that are separated by a controlled distance, creating an optical box.~ The atoms are then released into an optical potential along the axial direction that is created by an array of far detuned laser spots.~ Each spot~ can be independently controlled both in position and power, with a spatial resolution of six microns.~ This potential can be combined with a standing wave that is aligned along the trap axis, enabling transport measurements in potentials that can range from periodic to disordered. Finally, I will discuss recent ideas on constructing an optical ``one-way'' barrier for atoms.~ I will show how this idea can be used for phase space compression and cooling, as an optical realization of Maxwell's demon.

To cite this abstract, use the following reference: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2005.DAMOP.L1.4