Optical lattice experiments have proved to be a versatile tool for studying strongly correlated quantum systems. The motivation behind these experiments is to use the cold atoms to emulate a solid state system for which the Hamiltonian is analytically or numerically non-solvable. In our experiment, we construct a 3D simple cubic lattice system which realizes the Fermi-Hubbard model and provides us the opportunity to study the antiferromagnetic (AFM) insulator phase. In order to establish evaporative cooling in the optical lattice and to enlarge the size of the AFM phase, we implement a compensation potential additional to the standard lattice beam. In this thesis, I will present detailed steps to construct and calibrate the compensated 3D optical lattice system.Optical lattice experiments have proved to be a versatile tool for studying strongly correlated quantum systems. The motivation behind these experiments is to use the cold atoms to emulate a solid state system for which the Hamiltonian is analytically or numerically non-solvable. In our experiment, we construct a 3D simple cubic lattice system which realizes the Fermi-Hubbard model and provides us the opportunity to study the antiferromagnetic (AFM) insulator phase. In order to establish evaporative cooling in the optical lattice and to enlarge the size of the AFM phase, we implement a compensation potential additional to the standard lattice beam. In this thesis, I will present detailed steps to construct and calibrate the compensated 3D optical lattice system.

Apr 25, 20140 citations

Cooling of individual neutral atoms in an optical lattice

Michael J. Gibbons, Peyman Ahmadi, Kevin Fortier +2 more

APSJun 1, 20070 citations

Antiferromagnetism with Ultracold Atoms

Randall G. Hulet, Pedro M. Duarte, Russell Hart +1 more

We use ultracold spin--1/2 atomic fermions ( $^6$ Li) to realize the Hubbard model on a three-dimensional (3D) optical lattice. At relatively high temperatures and at densities near half-filling, we show that the gas forms a Mott insulator with unordered spins. To observe antiferromagnetic order that is predicted to occur at lower temperatures, we developed the compensated optical lattice method to evaporatively cool atoms in the lattice. This cooling has enabled the detection of short-range magnetic order by spin-sensitive Bragg scattering of light.We use ultracold spin--1/2 atomic fermions ($^6$Li) to realize the Hubbard model on a three-dimensional (3D) optical lattice. At relatively high temperatures and at densities near half-filling, we show that the gas forms a Mott insulator with unordered spins. To observe antiferromagnetic order that is predicted to occur at lower temperatures, we developed the compensated optical lattice method to evaporatively cool atoms in the lattice. This cooling has enabled the detection of short-range magnetic order by spin-sensitive Bragg scattering of light.

arXiv:1512.05311Laser SpectroscopyOct 5, 20164 citations

Enlarging and cooling the Néel state in an optical lattice

Charles Mathy, David A. Huse, Randall G. Hulet

We propose an experimental scheme to favor both the realization and the detection of the N\'eel state in a two-component gas of ultracold fermions in a three-dimensional simple-cubic optical lattice. By adding three compensating Gaussian laser beams to the standard three pairs of retroreflected lattice beams, and adjusting the relative waists and intensities of the beams, one can significantly enhance the size of the N\'eel state in the trap, thus increasing the signal of optical Bragg scattering. Furthermore, the additional beams provide for adjustment of the local chemical potential and the possibility to evaporatively cool the gas while in the lattice. Our proposals are also relevant to efforts to realize other many-body quantum phases in optical lattices.We propose an experimental scheme to favor both the realization and the detection of the N\'eel state in a two-component gas of ultracold fermions in a three-dimensional simple-cubic optical lattice. By adding three compensating Gaussian laser beams to the standard three pairs of retroreflected lattice beams, and adjusting the relative waists and intensities of the beams, one can significantly enhance the size of the N\'eel state in the trap, thus increasing the signal of optical Bragg scattering. Furthermore, the additional beams provide for adjustment of the local chemical potential and the possibility to evaporatively cool the gas while in the lattice. Our proposals are also relevant to efforts to realize other many-body quantum phases in optical lattices.

arXiv:1204.0018Physical Review AAug 6, 201241 citations

Laser cooling in single and double optical lattices

Johan Jersblad

Jan 1, 20020 citations

We use ultracold spin--1/2 atomic fermions (

^6

Li) to realize the Hubbard model on a three-dimensional (3D) optical lattice. At relatively high temperatures and at densities near half-filling, we show that the gas forms a Mott insulator with unordered spins. To observe antiferromagnetic order that is predicted to occur at lower temperatures, we developed the compensated optical lattice method to evaporatively cool atoms in the lattice. This cooling has enabled the detection of short-range magnetic order by spin-sensitive Bragg scattering of light.