INFERRING THE TEMPERATURE OF A LASER-COOLED RUBIDIUM ATOM CLOUD: MODEL AND EXPERIMENT
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Authors
Dana, Christopher S.
Subjects
Bragg spectroscopy
atom interferometry
sub-Doppler cooling
laser cooling
polarization gradient cooling
PGC
magneto-optical trap
MOT
rubidium
Global Positioning System
GPS
atom interferometry
sub-Doppler cooling
laser cooling
polarization gradient cooling
PGC
magneto-optical trap
MOT
rubidium
Global Positioning System
GPS
Advisors
Narducci, Frank A.
Date of Issue
2025-03
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Atom-based sensors have the potential to enhance inertial navigation in Global Positioning System (GPS)-denied environments, providing an alternative to traditional accelerometers, gyroscopes, and sensors. Accurate temperature characterization is critical for atom interferometry, which relies on precise control of atomic motion to achieve high sensitivity. This research develops a model to infer the temperature of laser-cooled rubidium vapor by analyzing its ballistic expansion. The release and recapture method is employed to track atomic cloud dynamics after trap release, refining temperature inference through comparison with theoretical models. A magneto-optical trap is used to cool and confine the atoms, followed by sub-Doppler cooling to achieve lower temperatures. By characterizing expansion dynamics, this study improves temperature measurement techniques for cold atomic samples, addressing sources of systematic uncertainty that affect precision in quantum sensors. These findings contribute to advancements in laser cooling methodologies and atomic interferometry at the Naval Postgraduate School, with direct defense applications in inertial navigation, precision measurement, and sensing.
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Thesis
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Distribution Statement
Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.