Niels Bohr Lecture: A Bose Condensate in an Optical Lattice

By Nobel laureate William D. Philips, University of Maryland

Abstract

An atomic-gas Bose-Einstein Condensate, placed in the periodic light-shift potential of an optical standing wave, exhibits many features that are similar to the familiar problem of electrons moving in the periodic potential of a solid-state crystal lattice. Among the differences are that the lattice potential can be turned on and off or accelerated through space. Experiments that are not easily done with solids are often straightforward with optical lattices, sometimes with surprising results. Among the new possibilities are the accurate simulation of important models of condensed matter physics that are exceedingly difficult to solve mathematically.

About the speaker

William D. Phillips has been a leading figure in experimental atomic physics for many years. He is most well known for his pioneering studies of laser cooling, for which he was awarded the 1997 Nobel price in physics, and in recent years he has continued to make important contributions to the field of ultra old atoms and Bose-Einstein condensation. In addition to his impressive scientific achievements Bill Phillips is famous for being an excellent speaker.