Folman Ron: The Atom Chip Group
The quantum nature of atoms
becomes dominant when their deBroglie wavelength becomes comparable to
the size of the potential in which the atoms are held. This occurs at
ultra low temperatures (<1K).
The wave properties of cold atoms (which are thus named "matter waves")
can be exploited for fundamental measurements such as the study of
nature's symmetries, search for new forces or analyzing the border
between the quantum and classical worlds (with implications even to the
question of freedom of thought). The field of quantum optics has made
leaps in the past decade, and in this period 3 Nobel prizes have been
awarded (1997, 2001, 2005).
Our main research tool is the AtomChip (Fig. 1). This device enables the manipulation and detection of isolated cold atoms for quantum operations. Such systems also have technological applications. For example, they have already set the best time standards; They are now being developed via interferometric schemes into acceleration sensors for ultra-accurate navigation systems, as well as for detecting minute changes in the gravitational field; Magnetometry can be made so sensitive (10-17 T) that it can be used for medical imaging of the brain; More futuristic applications involve secure communication (quantum cryptography) and the super fast quantum computer.
The "AtomChip" group, and the nano-fabrication facility at Ben-Gurion University combine in developing AtomChips for new fundamental insight into the laws of nature as well as new technological applications. Our students study for degrees in Theoretical and Experimental physics (and combinations thereof), and are exposed to a variety of fundamental theory as well as advanced technology, ranging from lasers and optics, to electronics and computer interfaces. Bottom line: We talk to atoms, and you are invited to talk to them too!
Figure 1: An Atom Chip recently fabricated at BGU, with current carrying wires forming magnetic traps and guides for cold atoms.
Figure 2: A micro disk high finesse optical resonator for the detection and trapping of "cold" atoms.