We describe an experiment for investigating the 5S1∕2→5D5∕2 two-photon transition in rubidium using a single grating-feedback diode laser operating at 778.1nm (385THz). Continuous tuning of the laser frequency over 4GHz allows for the clear resolution of the Doppler-free spectral features and allows accurate measurement of the hyperfine ground-state splitting. A direct comparison between Doppler-broadened and Doppler-free spectral features is possible because both are distinctly evident in the two-photon spectra. By independently modifying the polarization state of the two laser fields, the impact of electric dipole selection rules on the two-photon transition spectra is investigated. This experiment is a valuable addition to the advanced undergraduate laboratory because it uses much of the same equipment as the single-photon saturated absorption spectroscopy experiment performed on the 5S1∕2→5P3∕2 transition in rubidium (λ=780.24nm) and provides students with an opportunity to investigate characteristics of atomic spectra not evident in the single-photon experiment.
A low-velocity beam of rubidium atoms is produced from a two-dimensional magneto-optic trap or atomic funnel. Atoms from a thermal beam are slowed by chirped laser cooling and then loaded into the funnel. The cold atoms are ejected by moving molasses formed with frequency-shifted laser beams. The resultant atomic beam has a controllable velocity in the range of 3 to 10 mis, a temperat ure of 500 µK, and a flux of 10 10 atoms/s.
We investigate ladder-type electromagnetically induced transparency ͑EIT͒ in rubidium gas. The theoretical absorption profile of a weak probe laser beam at 780.2 nm ͑5S 1/2 → 5P 3/2 ͒ is modeled in the presence of a strong coupling laser beam at 776.0 nm ͑5P 3/2 → 5D 5/2 ͒ and the absorption transparency window is characterized. We use two grating-feedback diode lasers and observe EIT experimentally in rubidium and compare the results to the theory. This experiment brings quantum optics into the advanced undergraduate laboratory and utilizes equipment and expertise commonly available in laboratories equipped to perform diode-laser-based absorption spectroscopy of rubidium.
We describe an experiment for generating and characterizing a beam of collimated blue light (CBL) in a rubidium vapor. Two low-power, grating-feedback diode lasers, operating at 780.2 nm (5S1/2→5P3/2) and 776.0 nm (5P3/2→5D5/2), respectively, provide step-wise excitation to the 5D excited state in rubidium. Under the right experimental conditions, cascade decay through the 6P excited state will yield a collimated blue (420-nm) beam of light with high temporal and spatial coherence. We investigate the production of a blue beam under a variety of experimental conditions and characterize the spatial coherence and spectral characteristics. This experiment provides advanced undergraduate students with a unique opportunity to investigate nonlinear optical phenomena in the laboratory and uses equipment that is commonly available in laboratories equipped to investigate diode-laser-based absorption spectroscopy in rubidium.
Convective heat transfer beyond explicit solutions to the Navier Stokes equations is often an empirical science. Schlieren imaging is one of the only fluid imaging systems that can directly visualize the density gradients of a fluid using collimated light and refractive properties. The ability to visualize fluid densities is useful in both research and educational fields. A Schlieren imaging device has been constructed by undergraduate students at the University of Portland. The device is used for professorial heat transfer and fluid dynamics research and to help undergraduates visualize and understand natural convection. This paper documents the design decisions, design process, and the final specifications of the Schlieren system. A simple 2-D heated cylindrical model is considered and evaluated using Schlieren imaging, OpenFOAM C.F.D. simulation, and convection analysis using a Nusselt correlation. Results are presented for the three analysis techniques and show excellent verifications between the CFD simulation, Nusselt correlation, and Schlieren imaging system.
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