Atomic and Laser Physics
Activities in the Atomic and Laser Physics group concentrate on four main research topics. Within each category several projects are executed. In all of these projects state-of-the-art laser systems play an essential role. This research forms part of the research activities within the Laser Centre of the university.
Physics with Cold Atoms
The interaction between an atom and near-resonant laser radiation is used to decelerate and thereby effectively cool free atoms down to low temperatures. Using cold metastable helium-4 atoms (stable states with a high internal energy) efforts are under way to achieve Bose Einstein condensation, thus creating a new quantum state of matter. Possibilities to reach quantum degeneracy with fermionic helium-3 are explored as well.
Short-wavelength Laser Radiation: Spectroscopy of Atoms and Molecules
With powerful, pulsed laser systems the generation of narrowband and tunable coherent radiation at short wavelengths (in the extreme ultraviolet part of the electro- magnetic spectrum) via non-linear upconversion processes in dense gaseous media is investigated (generation of high harmonics). The energetic photons produced in such a way are used to investigate highly-excited states of light molecules of astrophysical interest such as H2 and N2.
Ultrafast Laser Physics and Frequency Metrology
A powerful phase-locked and ultrafast laser system is developed to study extreme non-linear optics, in particular X-ray generation near 3 nm ('the water window'). Advanced techniques are used to create pulses of infrared light with a reproducible and programmable electromagnetic wave. It is expected that with those pulses X-ray bursts as short as 200 attoseconds can be generated, which will allow studies of ultrafast dynamical processes at an atomic and molecular level. The phase-locked laser generates a comb of ultrastable optical frequencies that can be employed for precision metrology studies in atoms and molecules. The group is now starting a program in this direction with the aim of testing possible variations of fundamental constants over time.
Applied Laser Spectroscopy and Laser Development
In cooperation with industry prospects for laser separation of isotopes of the elements Yb and Ca are investigated. The goal is to establish efficient routes for the selective ionization of the required isotopes in a multi-step laser-excitation process as well as to address the question of related laser development. With cavity-ringdown spectroscopy absolute absorption cross sections of molecules relevant for the atmosphere are measured as input data for the interpretation of satellite observations of the earth. Recently a project was started to extend this CRD-technique in liquids and on surfaces of solids.
© Copyright VU University Amsterdam
Physics with Cold Atoms
The interaction between an atom and near-resonant laser radiation is used to decelerate and thereby effectively cool free atoms down to low temperatures. Using cold metastable helium-4 atoms (stable states with a high internal energy) efforts are under way to achieve Bose Einstein condensation, thus creating a new quantum state of matter. Possibilities to reach quantum degeneracy with fermionic helium-3 are explored as well.
Short-wavelength Laser Radiation: Spectroscopy of Atoms and Molecules
With powerful, pulsed laser systems the generation of narrowband and tunable coherent radiation at short wavelengths (in the extreme ultraviolet part of the electro- magnetic spectrum) via non-linear upconversion processes in dense gaseous media is investigated (generation of high harmonics). The energetic photons produced in such a way are used to investigate highly-excited states of light molecules of astrophysical interest such as H2 and N2.
Ultrafast Laser Physics and Frequency Metrology
A powerful phase-locked and ultrafast laser system is developed to study extreme non-linear optics, in particular X-ray generation near 3 nm ('the water window'). Advanced techniques are used to create pulses of infrared light with a reproducible and programmable electromagnetic wave. It is expected that with those pulses X-ray bursts as short as 200 attoseconds can be generated, which will allow studies of ultrafast dynamical processes at an atomic and molecular level. The phase-locked laser generates a comb of ultrastable optical frequencies that can be employed for precision metrology studies in atoms and molecules. The group is now starting a program in this direction with the aim of testing possible variations of fundamental constants over time.
Applied Laser Spectroscopy and Laser Development
In cooperation with industry prospects for laser separation of isotopes of the elements Yb and Ca are investigated. The goal is to establish efficient routes for the selective ionization of the required isotopes in a multi-step laser-excitation process as well as to address the question of related laser development. With cavity-ringdown spectroscopy absolute absorption cross sections of molecules relevant for the atmosphere are measured as input data for the interpretation of satellite observations of the earth. Recently a project was started to extend this CRD-technique in liquids and on surfaces of solids.
