For more information on the atom optics projects, please email Robert Scholten.
Also feel free to visit me in my office (room 508) or in the lab (room
559) to see what's happening, and of course click on the links below
for details about each project.
Squeezing:
Generating squeezed light by non-linear interaction of a laser with an atomic
vapour.
Imaging: Imaging
ultra-cold atoms in coherent quantum states (e.g. using
electromagnetically induced transparency).
UCP: Ultracold plasma.
By photoionising ultra-cold atoms, we will produce an extremely cold
plasma, and from that plasma, an ultrabright electron source.
FAT atoms: Making
really big "Rydberg" atoms, in a highly excited but not quite ionised
state, such that the outer electron orbital is as big as a micron in
diameter.
Ghost imaging: Action
at a distance, using correlated and entangled photons.
Atomic clocks: New
schemes of locking lasers to coherent quantum states in atoms.
Photonics and Visible Optics
Determination of Wigner functions and coherence properties of classical optical wavefields ( Ann Roberts), Rob Scholten and Keith Nugent
Non-destructive defect detection in artworks using phase imaging and electronic speckle pattern interferometry( Ann Roberts with Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation)
Atomic Physics Experiments: Tests of Quantum Electro-Dynamics and X-ray interactions:
Chris Chantler
X-ray measurement of atomic form factors f and the refractive index RI:
Our international measurements are two orders of magnitude more accurate than previous literature.
This has opened up a new field and initiated questions about relativistic,
and QED contributions to observed interactions.
Investigation of X-ray scattering and fluorescence distributions.
These investigate the real component of the atomic form factor, and the radial electron density in atomic systems.
The relativistic component of f has never been accurately measured.
Development and design of X-ray spectrometers for high-precision measurement in X-ray physics and QED.
We have made the highest precision test of QED for Vanadium using an Electron Beam Ion Trap.
Models of X-ray source distributions (expt and computation).
X-ray sources produce spectra which are relied on around the world; but theory is unable to predict experimental observed distributions.
Measurement of reflectivity.
Details of reflectivity profiles test dynamical diffraction theory and investigate surface roughness in materials.
Theory of Atomic and Quantum Physics and X-ray Optics: Chris Chantler
Atomic form factors (scattering of X-rays/diffraction/atomic structure).
Particular questions relate to high-energy limits, analytic formulations, S-matrix quantum field theory and correlated perturbation theory
Isolated Particle Approximation models, XAFS and near-edge structure (scattering, atomic structure & crystals).
Anomalies in current experimental data from synchrotron research.
Dynamical diffraction from curved crystals (diffraction / mosaicity).
Synchrotrons use advanced X-ray optics and need advanced theory to calibrate and predict results.
Created: 22 July 2002
Last modified: 1 September 2003
Authorised by: Dr Ann Roberts, School of Physics
Maintained by: Dr Ann Roberts, School of Physics
