Miniature Portable Ultra-Cold Atom Source without Active Pumps

Research centers on the development of a purely passively pumped miniature ultrahigh vacuum system capable of producing Bose-Einstein condensates and related forms of ultracold matter. The approach is based on a double-MOT system incorporating an atom chip. Key issues concern the management of the excess thermal component of the cooled alkali metal species as well as the elimination of trace impurity gases. Experimental work concentrates on investigation of candidate getter elements and demonstration of getter technology. Efficacy of the approach is to be established in a proof-of-principle demonstration achieving nanotorr vacuum levels in the atom chip section of the system while it is also subject to the high thermal background load of alkali metal vapor. Design work centers on new vacuum cell fabrication techniques and integration of the passive pump elements to complete the miniature cell system design having a volume of less than 100 cc.