Microwave Manipulation of Atomic Energy Levels Mark Gordon - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Microwave Manipulation of Atomic Energy Levels Mark Gordon Department of Physics University of Virginia

Coupling of energy levels s’ p Energy s Excite electrons using laser

Coupling of energy levels s’ Microwave field at resonant frequency - “dressing field” p Energy (Width of separation dependent on strength of field) s Excite electrons using laser

Coupling of energy levels s’ Microwave field at resonant frequency - “dressing field” p Energy Look for resonances with second microwave field - “probe field” s Excite electrons using laser

Purely linear polarization s’ p s’ and p split in two

With circular polarization -1/2 +1/2 s’ p s’ and p split in four

Time resolved field ionization signals Field ramp Voltage Time Atom with lower energy state Atom with higher energy state

A timeline of one cycle of the experiment Dressing field Probe field Laser pulse Field ionization ramp Time

Many thanks go to the generous donors to the College Science Scholars program who make these summer research awards possible: Charles Henry Leach, II, Foundation, Mr. Steve Van Besien; Entigence Corporation; Lois A. Fitton & W. Christopher Draper, Jr.; Sharon B. Parente & John W. Risner; The Jefferson Trust; Robert Atkinson; Dean’s discretionary gifts Special thanks to my mentor, Dr. Thomas Gallagher