Pouya Sadeghpour L&S Math & Physical Sciences
Ultracold Titanium hyperfine spectroscopy
The laser cooling and trapping of neutral atoms has enabled groundbreaking experiments in which atoms are confined in highly manipulable light fields and their interactions precisely controlled. These experiments are a powerful platform for simulating the physics of condensed matter systems with unprecedented control and read-out. So far, studies have been limited to atoms with zero orbital angular momentum in their ground states (such as Alkalis), or large orbital angular momentum and large magnetic moments (such as Lanthanides). Recently it has been proposed that the fermionic isotopes of Titanium, which have a non-zero orbital angular momentum in their ground states, but a small magnetic moment, could be used to engineer topological states of matter which are of high interest. Last year, the first laser cooling and magneto-optical trapping of the bosonic isotopes of Titanium was realized in Professor Stamper-Kurn’s group. In my summer project, I propose to measure the hyperfine structure of the fermionic isotopes of Titanium to enable laser cooling and trapping of these promising atoms.
Message To Sponsor
Dear Anselm MPS, I would like to thank you for sponsoring me this summer. The research I was involved with, made possible by your funding, has allowed me to grow as an experimental physicist in ways I could not have even imagined just one year ago. I learned more about the subfield of atomic, molecular, and optical physics (AMO) than I ever have in my past research experiences. Because of your faith, trust, and support in me, I have been able to get many large steps closer to my short- and long-term goals in my physics career. Thank you for your kindness and humble efforts that have allowed me to accomplish fundamental and possibly groundbreaking physics research. Best regards, Pouya Sadeghpour