Ultra Cold Quantum Gases 1
Module PH2124
Module version of WS 2021/2 (current)
There are historic module descriptions of this module. A module description is valid until replaced by a newer one.
Whether the module’s courses are offered during a specific semester is listed in the section Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature below.
| available module versions | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| WS 2021/2 | WS 2019/20 | WS 2017/8 | SS 2011 |
Basic Information
PH2124 is a semester module in English language at Master’s level which is offered in winter semester.
This Module is included in the following catalogues within the study programs in physics.
- Specific catalogue of special courses for condensed matter physics
- Focus Area Experimental Quantum Science & Technology in M.Sc. Quantum Science & Technology
- Complementary catalogue of special courses for nuclear, particle, and astrophysics
- Complementary catalogue of special courses for Biophysics
- Complementary catalogue of special courses for Applied and Engineering Physics
If not stated otherwise for export to a non-physics program the student workload is given in the following table.
| Total workload | Contact hours | Credits (ECTS) |
|---|---|---|
| 150 h | 45 h | 5 CP |
Responsible coordinator of the module PH2124 is Stephan Dürr.
Content, Learning Outcome and Preconditions
Content
I. Atom-Light Interactions
1. Two-level atom
2. Density matrix
3. Bloch sphere
4. Spontaneous emission
5. Rate equations
6. Laser
II. Cooling and Trapping
7. Light forces
8. Cooling of atomic gases by laser light
9. Magnetic trapping
10. Evaporative cooling
III. BEC in the Ideal Gas
11. Bose-Einstein condensation
The module will be supplemented by the module "Ultracold Quantum Gases 2" (PH2125) in the next semester.
Learning Outcome
After successful completion of the module the students are able to:
- understand various models of the atom-light interaction and to apply them in different contexts
- analyze the limitations of important techniques for cooling and trapping of ultracold gases
- understand the basics of Bose-Einstein condensation
Preconditions
Basic knowledge in quantum mechanics (PH0007), atomic physics (PH0016), electrodynamics (PH0006), and statistical physics (PH0008)
Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature
Courses and Schedule
| Type | SWS | Title | Lecturer(s) | Dates | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VU | 3 | Ultra Cold Quantum Gases 1 | Dürr, S. |
singular or moved dates and dates in groups |
Learning and Teaching Methods
The module consists of a lecture and exercise classes. In the thematically structured lecture the learning content is presented. With cross references between different topics, the concepts relevant for the covered topics are explained. In scientific discussions the students are involved to stimulate their analytic intellectual strength. Self-study of textbooks, review articles, and original literature, as e.g. referenced in the lectures notes provided, is an important part of the student’s learning process.
In the exercises the learning content is deepened using problem examples. Thus the students are able to apply and explain the learned physics knowledge independently.
Media
PowerPoint, blackboard, lecture notes, exercise sheets
Literature
- C.J. Pethick & H. Smith: Bose-Einstein condensation in dilute gases, Cambridge University Press, (2008)
- L. Pitaevskii & S. Stringari: Bose-Einstein Condensation, Clarendon Press, (2003)
- H.J. Metcalf & P. van der Straten: Laser Cooling and Trapping, Springer, (1999)
- C. Cohen-Tannoudji, J. Dupont-Roc & G. Grynberg: Atom-Photon Interactions, Wiley-VCH, (1998)
Module Exam
Description of exams and course work
There will be an oral exam of 25 minutes duration. Therein the achievement of the competencies given in section learning outcome is tested exemplarily at least to the given cognition level using comprehension questions and sample calculations.
For example an assignment in the exam might be:
- How does the temperature limit of Doppler cooling come about?
- How does a magneto-optical trap work?
- Why are Majorana spin-flips a problem in magnetic traps and how can they be avoided?
In the exam no learning aids are permitted.
Participation in the exercise classes is strongly recommended since the exercises prepare for the problems of the exam and rehearse the specific competencies.
Remarks on associated module exams
The exam for this module can be taken together with the exam to the associated follow-up module PH2125: Ultra Cold Quantum Gases 2 / Ultrakalte Quantengase 2 after the follwoing semester. In this case you need to register for both exams in the following semester.
Exam Repetition
The exam may be repeated at the end of the semester. There is a possibility to take the exam in the following semester.