General Colloquium:
November 18, - 4:00pm Phys 223
(Coffee at 3:30p.m. in room 242)

Professor Thomas Greytak
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Atomic, Molecular and Atomic Physics Group

Title:"Bose-Einstein Condensation in Atomic Hydrogen"

Abstract:
We have achieved Bose-Einstein condensation in the simplest and most accurately characterized of all atomic gases, spin-polarized atomic hydrogen. The talk will explain why BEC in gases is of such current interest and point out the unique features of the atomic hydrogen experiments. I will discuss in detail the high resolution two-photon spectroscopy that we use to explore the properties of the condensate. Apparatus:

In recent years, the basic atomic physics group has been home to several groundbreaking achievements involving Bose-Einstein condensation: in 1995, Professor Ketterle's research group observed an unprecedentedly robust Bose-Einstein condensation, paving the way for the group's 1997 creation of the first atom laser. In 1998, the research group of Professors Kleppner and Greytak observed for the first time Bose-Einstein condensation of atomic hydrogen. Investigations continue into the creation and manipulation of these novel forms of matter.

For more information on Bose-Einstein condensation, see the excellent websites maintained by the Greytak-Kleppner group and the Ketterle group.

Other projects include developments in atom interferometry, precise measurement of the Rydberg frequency, and study of quantum chaos using Rydberg atoms.

See also the Basic Atomic Physics group website.

Tech Talk articles:
"MIT team reports advance in Bose-Einstein understanding." (1995)
"MIT physicists demonstrate first atom laser." (1997)
"MIT physicists achieve advances in manipulating ultracold matter." (1998)
"Physicists cite advances in manipulating ultracold matter." (1998)

American Institute of Physics article:
"Bose Einstein Condensation of Hydrogen Atoms." (1998)
RLE Progress Report Number 141: 1998
Quantum Optics and Photonics (chapter II.1.1)
Basic Atomic Physics (chapter II.1.2)
RLE currents Spring 1997: Vol. 9, No. 1
"Frontiers of Atomic Physics at RLE." Focus on the research of the Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics group at RLE.
RLE currents June 1988: Vol. 1, No. 2
"Focus: Optics Research at RLE." Various investigators involved in optics research at RLE.
History - Optics Research at RLE