We report on the progress made on the Australian Quantum Gas Microscope currently under construction at Swinburne University. This apparatus combines the versatility of ultracold atoms technology and the image analysis capabilities of a high-resolution microscope. We use highly magnetic isotope mixtures of fermionic and bosonic dysprosium atoms to produce dipolar quantum gases with long-range interactions. These gases are either trapped in bulk or loaded into a tailored optical lattice. Currently, work is underway to complete the vacuum system and to set up the first laser cooling stages as well as laser locking. Also, simulations of a modified atomic fountain are carried out to test the idea of elevating the atoms to an upper level which would be a crucial step in our anticipated laser cooling scheme. Once the apparatus is completed, our research will include the study of exotic superfluidity and topological gases, expected to occur in some novel materials.About the presenter
Allan Pennings is a PhD Student working with Prof Chris Vale and Dr Sascha Hoinka, with the goal of building the Australian Quantum Gas Microscope.
Contributing to FLEET’s Research Theme 3, Light-transformed Materials, his project focused on different techniques of dark field imaging with X-rays. Allan recently completed his Honours at Monash followed a Bachelor of Science (Physics) at The University of Melbourne, alongside a Diploma in Mathematical Sciences and a Diploma in Music in 2017.