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Single-Photon Atomic Cooling - Raizen Lab - The University of ...

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Chapter 2<br />

Operational Concepts<br />

This chapter discusses many <strong>of</strong> the concepts necessary for a complete<br />

understanding <strong>of</strong> the experimental procedure and results presented in this<br />

dissertation. It begins with a general discussion <strong>of</strong> the element used during<br />

this experimental work, rubidium. A description <strong>of</strong> the source and size <strong>of</strong><br />

energy level splittings resulting in the fine and hyperfine structure is given.<br />

<strong>The</strong> interaction <strong>of</strong> atoms with external magnetic fields is discussed, as well<br />

as how this interaction, known as the Zeeman effect, can be used to trap<br />

rubidium. A discussion <strong>of</strong> the interaction <strong>of</strong> atoms with external optical fields<br />

is given, both in the near and far <strong>of</strong>f resonance limits. How these interactions<br />

lead to forces which can be used to cool and control external atomic degrees <strong>of</strong><br />

freedom is explained. <strong>The</strong> frequency <strong>of</strong> applied optical fields must be precisely<br />

controlled and the method used to accomplish this, a feedback loop based<br />

on saturation absorption spectroscopy <strong>of</strong> a room temperature vapor cell, is<br />

discussed. Finally the two methods used in this dissertation to image atomic<br />

samples, optical absorption and atomic fluorescence are discussed.<br />

24

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