Bloch oscillations in a dipolar quantum gas and setup of a 631nm laser system for spin manipulation of erbium atoms

by Simon Gschwendtner
Abstract:
In recent years, the study of dipolar quantum gases has garnered significant attention because of their unique properties and potential applications in various fields of physics. One intriguing phenomenon observed in these systems is Bloch oscillations, which occur when ultracold atoms are subjected to a periodic potential and an external force. This master thesis covers the theoretical basis of the atomic species erbium used in the ERBIUM experiment and the understanding of optical lattices and ground states of ultracold atoms within such a system. In addition, it derives a quasi 1D Gross-Pitaevskii-equation, which aims to simulate Bloch oscillations of dipolar atoms within the realm of beyond-mean-field effects. Further, it analyzes the results of these simulations and delves into the features introduced by dipolar interactions and possible explanations for them. Moreover, it also aims to explain the rebuilding and repair of a 631nm laser setup, which was not stable enough. From the basic principle of lasers, over the characteristics of a laser diode, to the shaping of an optical beam; This thesis strives to explain acousto- and electro-optical modulators and their use cases within the setup. Furthermore, it illustrates the locking of a laser to a stable reference cavity and shows an unfortunate turn of events during the later stages of the work.
Reference:
Bloch oscillations in a dipolar quantum gas and setup of a 631nm laser system for spin manipulation of erbium atoms,
Simon Gschwendtner,
Master’s Thesis, 2023.
Bibtex Entry:
@article{GschwendtnerMSc,
  title = {Bloch oscillations in a dipolar quantum gas and setup of a 631nm laser system for spin manipulation of erbium atoms},
  author = {Gschwendtner, Simon},
  journal = {Master's Thesis},
  year = {2023},
  month = {Sep},
  abstract = {In recent years, the study of dipolar quantum gases has garnered significant attention
because of their unique properties and potential applications in various fields
of physics. One intriguing phenomenon observed in these systems is Bloch oscillations,
which occur when ultracold atoms are subjected to a periodic potential and
an external force.
This master thesis covers the theoretical basis of the atomic species erbium used
in the ERBIUM experiment and the understanding of optical lattices and ground
states of ultracold atoms within such a system. In addition, it derives a quasi
1D Gross-Pitaevskii-equation, which aims to simulate Bloch oscillations of dipolar
atoms within the realm of beyond-mean-field effects. Further, it analyzes the results
of these simulations and delves into the features introduced by dipolar interactions
and possible explanations for them.
Moreover, it also aims to explain the rebuilding and repair of a 631nm laser
setup, which was not stable enough. From the basic principle of lasers, over the
characteristics of a laser diode, to the shaping of an optical beam; This thesis strives
to explain acousto- and electro-optical modulators and their use cases within the
setup. Furthermore, it illustrates the locking of a laser to a stable reference cavity
and shows an unfortunate turn of events during the later stages of the work.},
  url = {https://www.erbium.at/FF/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Thesis_060923_Simon.pdf},
}