Using atomic beam spectroscopy of strontium for oven characterisation and laser frequency stabilisation
File(s)
Author(s)
Evans, David
Type
Thesis
Abstract
The Atom Interferometer Observatory and Network (AION) Project aims to use ultracold atoms (< μK) as detectors that may be sensitive to both ultralight dark matter (ULDM) and gravitational waves (GWs). In order to do that, the atoms will be prepared via a laser cooling process. For the atom used in AION (strontium), it was found that the wavemeter in the AION lab experiences substantial drift relative to the 32 MHz linewidth transition at 461 nm. This meant that it had to be repeatedly recalibrated, and could not be considered an infallible frequency reference for this transition. I constructed a cell that operates on the principle of atomic spectroscopy to lock the laser light to the same transition with another sample of strontium. This resulted in an increased stability and reliability of the atomic transition, meaning that the cooling process could be optimised, and various cooling stages completed to get the atoms to microkelvin temperatures. The nature of the lock introduced a slight fluctuation in frequency, so an EOM should be introduced to remedy this.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2023-08
Date Awarded
2024-02
Copyright Statement
Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial Licence
License URL
Advisor
Hobson, Richard
Buchmueller, Oliver
Publisher Department
Physics
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Masters
Qualification Name
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)