Citation
Au, Yat Shan (2006) Birefringent Cavity for CQED. Senior thesis (Major), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/4x40-dp54. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:02122018-165130068
Abstract
By trapping a single atom in a Fabry-Perot cavity, we can realize strong coupling between the atom and the electromagnetic field, which may in the future be utilized to perform quantum gates in quantum computing. Previous experiments with Cesium atoms at the Caltech Quantum Optics group achieved a trapping time of 3 seconds, and they led to a detailed study of the atom-photon interactions known as the vacuum-Rabi splitting. It is believed that the trapping time is limited by collisions with residual gas molecules inside the vacuum chamber. I report three designs for the piezoelectric-controlled cavity mirror mount, bakeable to a temperature above 250 °C and hence more desirable for deployments in ultra-high vacuum (UHV). I also present new procedures which I have helped to develop for cavity construction and the characterization of cavities. In addition, I consider cavity birefringence, which can present complications to our experiments because a birefringent cavity supports two orthogonal, nondegenerate modes. I developed a simple model of cavity birefringence and made our first attempt to actively induce birefringence by stressing the cavity mirrors with piezoelectric materials, although we have not yet been able to demonstrate control over cavity birefringence. Nonetheless, with expected improvements in both mechanical stability of the cavity and base pressure of the system, it is hoped that a longer trapping time of 30 seconds can be achieved and that the new experiment with a single-sided cavity can lead to further studies of the dynamics of atom-photon interactions.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Senior thesis (Major)) |
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| Subject Keywords: | Physics |
| Degree Grantor: | California Institute of Technology |
| Division: | Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy |
| Major Option: | Physics |
| Thesis Availability: | Withheld |
| Research Advisor(s): |
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| Thesis Committee: |
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| Defense Date: | 8 May 2006 |
| Record Number: | CaltechTHESIS:02122018-165130068 |
| Persistent URL: | https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:02122018-165130068 |
| DOI: | 10.7907/4x40-dp54 |
| Default Usage Policy: | No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided. |
| ID Code: | 10694 |
| Collection: | CaltechTHESIS |
| Deposited By: | Joy Painter |
| Deposited On: | 13 Feb 2018 17:32 |
| Last Modified: | 20 May 2020 19:22 |
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