Berlin 2014 – scientific programme

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Q: Fachverband Quantenoptik und Photonik

Q 32: Poster: Quantum gases, ultracold atoms and molecules

Q 32.11: Poster

Wednesday, March 19, 2014, 16:30–18:30, Spree-Palais

Single atom detection in ultracold quantum gases — •Peter Federsel, Hannah Schefzyk, Markus Stecker, Malte Reinschmidt, Andreas Günther, and József Fortágh — Physikalisches Institut, Universität Tübingen, Germany

We develop experimental techniques based on single atom detection, for monitoring the dynamics of ultracold atomic clouds and Bose-Einstein condensates in real time. At present, we investigate photoionization in focussed laser beams and field ionization at nanosized, charged metallic tips. Using a channel electron multiplier, the produced ions are detected with single particle sensitivity and high temporal resolution. Both schemes allow for fast, local probing and feedback on the cloud dynamics. The method is demonstrated by reconstructing the trapping potential from the cloud's oscillation behavior (dynamic force spectroscopy).

The development of a novel high resolution ion microscope will extend the detection scheme to allow for spatial detection below the optical diffraction limit. This opens up the possibility for future temporal and spatial correlation measurements on ultracold quantum gases.