Event Title
Construction and Optimization of a 780nm Tapered Amplifier System for Applications in Ultra-Cold Plasma Research
Location
Davis 301
Start Date
30-4-2015 9:00 AM
End Date
30-4-2015 10:55 AM
Project Type
Presentation
Description
The number density of cold atoms confined in a magneto-optical trap (MOT) is critically dependent on the intensity of the lasers used to cool the sample. However, lasers capable of large optical powers are often at odds with the practicality and cost-effectiveness of homemade external-cavity diode lasers (ECDLs). To compensate for this imbalance, a tapered amplifier (TA) system was constructed to amplify the output of an existing 780nm, continuous-wave ECDL. Using standard procedures, the amplifier was built, calibrated and optimized for use in the trapping and cooling of rubidium-85. Once optimized, the TA was found to amplify by approximately 12 dB under standard operating conditions, and output powers in excess of 0.7 W were observed. The completed tapered amplifier system was integrated into an existing MOT at Colby College, and work is in progress to determine the effect of the increased optical power on ultra-cold samples of rubidium-85.
Faculty Sponsor
Duncan Tate
Sponsoring Department
Colby College. Physics and Astronomy Dept.
CLAS Field of Study
Natural Sciences
Event Website
http://www.colby.edu/clas
ID
1131
Construction and Optimization of a 780nm Tapered Amplifier System for Applications in Ultra-Cold Plasma Research
Davis 301
The number density of cold atoms confined in a magneto-optical trap (MOT) is critically dependent on the intensity of the lasers used to cool the sample. However, lasers capable of large optical powers are often at odds with the practicality and cost-effectiveness of homemade external-cavity diode lasers (ECDLs). To compensate for this imbalance, a tapered amplifier (TA) system was constructed to amplify the output of an existing 780nm, continuous-wave ECDL. Using standard procedures, the amplifier was built, calibrated and optimized for use in the trapping and cooling of rubidium-85. Once optimized, the TA was found to amplify by approximately 12 dB under standard operating conditions, and output powers in excess of 0.7 W were observed. The completed tapered amplifier system was integrated into an existing MOT at Colby College, and work is in progress to determine the effect of the increased optical power on ultra-cold samples of rubidium-85.
https://digitalcommons.colby.edu/clas/2015/program/350