Cooling of Sr atoms through a magneto-optical trap on a narrow transition for experiments of light scattering from cold atoms

Abstract

The aim of the project is to implement a magneto-optical trap for bosonic 88Sr atoms based on a narrow intercombination electronic transition, in order to achieve colder temperatures for our cold atomic sample. The use of a narrow transition allow for temperatures that are typically orders of magnitude lower than those usually achieved with a magneto-optical trap, but it also represent implementation challenges. The student will have specific tasks related to the main goal of the project, in which also participates a master student and the supervisor. In particular, he will characterize the new coils that will create the magnetic fields for the experiment, will build the control circuit for the electrical current of the coil, and will participate on the optimization of the different parameters - magnetic fields, light power, polarization, detuning and alignment, temporal sequence - important for the optimal transfer from the magneto-optical trap on broad transition to the one based on a narrow transition. (AU)