Cool Science-

Over the years the Optical Shop and Glassblowing Shop have worked together to fabricate a number of different cells used for Bose-Einstein Condensate studies. The largest to date is a Pyrex optical cell 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" x 5 1/2" long. The 'Optical Box' is used to isolate, trap, and cool the atoms by laser beams and a magnetic field. The cell parts were fabricated using traditional optical techniques, and optically fused together in a furnace specifically modified for this purpose. To attach the stainless seals with rotatable flanges, the glassblower had to be particularly careful that the flame did not wash over the ends of the cell which would have probably cracked. Have attached some links giving interesting background material.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1999/03/990312062332.htm

http://www.eetimes.com/electronics-news/4075513/NIST-on-road-to-perpetual-mot...

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=bose-einstein-condensate

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Bose-Einstein Condensate
• lasers
• atom
• physics