Introduction to Term 2 Lab

Mike Tarbutt

There are three lab modules:

1. Quantum interference of photons

2. Magneto-optical trapping of Rb

3. Tools of ultrafast physics

Each lab module lasts for 2 weeks: 4 sessions of 3 hoursThere’s a 1 week break between lab modules: write a report

Organization

Next Tuesday:• Come to my office (Blackett 207) at 9am to meet with demonstrators• Bring laptops• Bring something for record keeping

Lab 1: Quantum interference of photons

• Generate photon pairs by spontaneous parametric down conversion

• Study the photon statistics

• Observe and analyze quantum interference via the Hong-Ou-Mandel dip

Demonstrator: Alex Clark

Lab 2: Magneto-optical trapping of Rb

• Observe Doppler-free spectroscopy signals in room temperature Rb vapour

• Use this to accurately tune and lock the frequencies of the two lasers

• Make ultracold Rb in a magneto-optical trap

Demonstrator: Iain Barr

Lab 3: Tools of ultrafast physics

This lab is split into two parts.You’ll do the first part one week, the second part the next

Lab 3a: Femtosecond laser pulse characterisation

• Build an autocorrelator to measure a 40fs pulse

• Modify the setup for complete retrieval of the amplitude and phase of the pulse

Demonstrators: Thomas Barillot, Dane Austin

Lab 3b: Attosecond photoelectron spectroscopy

• Learn how to use a time-of-flight photoelectron spectrometer

• Record a time-of-flight photoelectron spectrum

• Understand how the spectrum maps to the density of states

Demonstrator: Will Okell

Safety

• You MUST complete the online laser safety training course

• You MUST complete the laser user registration form

• You MUST read and follow safety guidance given in the scripts and manuals

• You MUST read and follow all procedures in the safety documentation for each lab module

• Only work in the labs during the timetabled sessions (unless agreed with the demonstrator)

• If you’re unsure about anything, ask the demonstrator

• Don’t be afraid, but do be careful

Assessment• Each lab module is assessed separately• 50% continuous assessment • 50% lab report

The report:• Keep it short. 2-3 pages of text + figures and graphs is enough.• Focus on what you did, the results and their analysis, comparison to theory, conclusions.• These are experimental labs - don’t fill the report deriving theoretical results. You can

quote any standard text-book results you need.• Submission deadlines are 5pm on Friday of the “no lab weeks” ( 13th Feb, 6th Mar, 2th Mar)• Send directly to demonstrators for marking.

The continuous assessment:• Work carefully, intelligently, productively• Good team work• Problem-solving skills• Good attitude to experimental work• Good record keeping

Everything is new!

Enjoy yourselves

Your feedback is welcome