Dynamics of multi-component matter waves. The recent observation of Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC) in weakly interacting ultracold gases has opened the door to the field of coherent matter-wave optics. When the BEC is treated within a mean-field approach the equations resemble those for the propagation of light in nonlinear media. The main aim of this project is to bring our broad and deep nonlinear optical expertise to bare on the classical nonlinear dynamics of multi-component BEC like syste ....Dynamics of multi-component matter waves. The recent observation of Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC) in weakly interacting ultracold gases has opened the door to the field of coherent matter-wave optics. When the BEC is treated within a mean-field approach the equations resemble those for the propagation of light in nonlinear media. The main aim of this project is to bring our broad and deep nonlinear optical expertise to bare on the classical nonlinear dynamics of multi-component BEC like systems. The expected outcome is a position of world leadership in the theoretical understanding of the dynamics of atom lasers, mixed atom-molecule BECs, and fragmented BECs in optical lattices.Read moreRead less
Collision Studies with Laser-Cooled Metastable Helium Atoms - Recoil Atom Spectroscopy. This project will provide the first absolute, differential measurements of the scattering of low energy electrons from metastable excited helium atoms. Laser-cooling techniques are used to create a bright, slow helium beam and a unique approach, where the recoiling atoms are detected, is used for the scattering measurements. Such measurements are of critical importance in the assessment of new scattering th ....Collision Studies with Laser-Cooled Metastable Helium Atoms - Recoil Atom Spectroscopy. This project will provide the first absolute, differential measurements of the scattering of low energy electrons from metastable excited helium atoms. Laser-cooling techniques are used to create a bright, slow helium beam and a unique approach, where the recoiling atoms are detected, is used for the scattering measurements. Such measurements are of critical importance in the assessment of new scattering theories for excited states and in understanding the role which excited species play in the behaviour of low temperature gas discharges and thus also on the operation of many important devices and phenomena which are based on discharge technology.Read moreRead less
Ionization and excitation of excited helium atoms. Our ability to improve the performance and reliability of electronic devices based around discharge technology relies upon our ability to model and quantify the energy-exchange processes which drive them. Our research will highlight the nature of highly-excited helium atoms and the way they interact with their environment. The purpose of our work is twofold; firstly to provide stringent tests to theory to enhance our understanding of mechanisms ....Ionization and excitation of excited helium atoms. Our ability to improve the performance and reliability of electronic devices based around discharge technology relies upon our ability to model and quantify the energy-exchange processes which drive them. Our research will highlight the nature of highly-excited helium atoms and the way they interact with their environment. The purpose of our work is twofold; firstly to provide stringent tests to theory to enhance our understanding of mechanisms driving discharge-based devices and secondly, to provide benchmark reaction rates which can be used in the modeling of discharge-based devices to improve their performance.Read moreRead less
Many-body quantum effects in the physics of ultracold atoms. The project will advance the fundamental research in quantum atom optics by exploring the mysterious many-body quantum phenomena in the systems of ultracold atoms. It will therefore contribute into the fundamental knowledge base that underpins future quantum technologies based on manipulating and utilizing the systems of ultracold atoms. The project will also further Australia's international competitive ability in fundamental research ....Many-body quantum effects in the physics of ultracold atoms. The project will advance the fundamental research in quantum atom optics by exploring the mysterious many-body quantum phenomena in the systems of ultracold atoms. It will therefore contribute into the fundamental knowledge base that underpins future quantum technologies based on manipulating and utilizing the systems of ultracold atoms. The project will also further Australia's international competitive ability in fundamental research and strengthen its reputation in the field of quantum atom optics.Read moreRead less
How Does a Bose-Einstein Condensate Develop Phase? The demonstration of Bose-Einstein Condensation in 1995 was a major milestone in physics. When atoms are extremely cold, their de Broglie wavelengths can overlap, forming a single macroscopic quantum fluid with well defined phase. Theorists have long pondered the origins of this phase. In this experimental program we aim to answer for the first time the intriguing question: "How does a BEC develop phase?". The answer will also be important fo ....How Does a Bose-Einstein Condensate Develop Phase? The demonstration of Bose-Einstein Condensation in 1995 was a major milestone in physics. When atoms are extremely cold, their de Broglie wavelengths can overlap, forming a single macroscopic quantum fluid with well defined phase. Theorists have long pondered the origins of this phase. In this experimental program we aim to answer for the first time the intriguing question: "How does a BEC develop phase?". The answer will also be important for the recently developed atom laser - with potential applications as wide-reaching as the laser - where understanding the phase coherence is important for devices such as atom interferometers.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0668398
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$177,900.00
Summary
Advanced Microwave Facility for Quantum-Atom Optics. Atoms can be controlled using light in visible and infra-red regions, as well as electromagnetic waves of longer wavelength in the microwave (MW) and radiofrequency (RF) part of the spectrum. We presently use optical radiation to control atoms at the quantum level where they can behave like waves and can interact with light to store and manipulate information. The MW and RF facility will extend our abilities and enable more complete control of ....Advanced Microwave Facility for Quantum-Atom Optics. Atoms can be controlled using light in visible and infra-red regions, as well as electromagnetic waves of longer wavelength in the microwave (MW) and radiofrequency (RF) part of the spectrum. We presently use optical radiation to control atoms at the quantum level where they can behave like waves and can interact with light to store and manipulate information. The MW and RF facility will extend our abilities and enable more complete control of the atoms, which will help us develop the first generation quantum technology. This will enable the creation of quantum devices such as atom lasers, atom interferometers and quantum information networks for communication and ultra-sensitive measurement applications.Read moreRead less
Controlled manipulation of matter-waves in atomic waveguiding structures. This project will enable Australian researchers to actively participate in the cutting edge, internationally competitive research that investigates ways to manipulate and guide large ensembles of ultra-cold atoms and underpins future technological applications in ultra-high-precision metrology and sensors. Australia is currently moving into a prominent position amongst world leaders in this fast-paced research field. The o ....Controlled manipulation of matter-waves in atomic waveguiding structures. This project will enable Australian researchers to actively participate in the cutting edge, internationally competitive research that investigates ways to manipulate and guide large ensembles of ultra-cold atoms and underpins future technological applications in ultra-high-precision metrology and sensors. Australia is currently moving into a prominent position amongst world leaders in this fast-paced research field. The outcomes of this proposal will further raise the prestige of Australian research overseas, and lead to greater acceptance of Australia as a major player in fundamental research. It will also provide outstanding training opportunities for young researchers.Read moreRead less
Multiple atomic photoionization in superstrong electromagnetic field. Correlation, or entanglement, of electrons in matter governs many important phenomena in nature, such as chemical reactions, superconductivity and ferromagnetism. However, it is the many-electron processes in atoms which allow the study of electron correlations most clearly. In this project we will investigate such a process of two-electron atomic photoionization by an intense laser pulse. We will combine advanced theoretical ....Multiple atomic photoionization in superstrong electromagnetic field. Correlation, or entanglement, of electrons in matter governs many important phenomena in nature, such as chemical reactions, superconductivity and ferromagnetism. However, it is the many-electron processes in atoms which allow the study of electron correlations most clearly. In this project we will investigate such a process of two-electron atomic photoionization by an intense laser pulse. We will combine advanced theoretical and experimental tools with the aim of understanding how the electron correlation interplays with the superstrong electromagnetic field. This will provide insight into fundamental processes of interaction of intense laser pulses with matter which are important in a wide range of applications.Read moreRead less
Multiple ionization of atoms and molecules in strong laser fields. Our research contributes to multidisciplinary efforts to unravel the
fundamental mechanisms that govern interaction of intense laser
radiation with matter. Understanding and accurate numerical modelling
of such preocesses have far-reaching implications for astrophysics,
plasma physics and controlled fusion, life and materials sciences. The
research project will further enhance our reputation in an area where
Australian the ....Multiple ionization of atoms and molecules in strong laser fields. Our research contributes to multidisciplinary efforts to unravel the
fundamental mechanisms that govern interaction of intense laser
radiation with matter. Understanding and accurate numerical modelling
of such preocesses have far-reaching implications for astrophysics,
plasma physics and controlled fusion, life and materials sciences. The
research project will further enhance our reputation in an area where
Australian theorists are preeminent, and the research training will
produce PhD graduates with a high-level ability in numerical modelling
using supercomputers. Such skills are essential in many defense,
information and nano-technology applications of national priority.
Read moreRead less
Two-electron atomic photoionization in superstrong electromagnetic field. Correlation, or entanglement, of electrons in matter governs many important phenomena in nature, such as chemical reactions, superconductivity and ferromagnetism. However, it is the many-electron processes in atoms which allow the study of electron correlations most clearly. In this project we will investigate such a process of two-electron atomic photoionization by an intense laser pulse. We will combine advanced theoret ....Two-electron atomic photoionization in superstrong electromagnetic field. Correlation, or entanglement, of electrons in matter governs many important phenomena in nature, such as chemical reactions, superconductivity and ferromagnetism. However, it is the many-electron processes in atoms which allow the study of electron correlations most clearly. In this project we will investigate such a process of two-electron atomic photoionization by an intense laser pulse. We will combine advanced theoretical and experimental tools with the aim of understanding how the electron correlation interplays with the
superstrong electromagnetic field. This will provide insight into fundamental processes of interaction of intense laser pulses with matter which are important in a wide range of applications.
Read moreRead less