Investigation of atomic motion in optical lattices via intensity correlation measurement

by Agyare, Benjamin Adu.

INVESTIGATION OF ATOMIC MOTION IN OPTICAL LATTICES VIA INTENSITY CORRELATION MEASUREMENT By Benjamin Adu Agyare We present a progress report on an experiment intended to study the motion of atoms in a rubidium 3D optical lattice with emphasis on spatial diffusion using intensity correlation measurement in the time domain. Cross correlations between opposite circular polarizations of the scattered light will indicate a change of potential site due to atomic transport between neighboring potential wells. Preparatory work done so far include building the Magneto-optical trap (MOT) and getting the vacuum system ready, systematically setting up the MOT and lattice lasers and providing the theory to describe spatial diffusion.