Toward an ultracold mixture of Er and K

Gavin Lamb - Wolfson College - University of Oxford
2022 - PhD 1^st year report

In this report I detail the continued construction of a dual species dipolar quantum gas experiment of erbium and potassium. Currently an Er Bose Einstein condensate (BEC) has been achieved and work is ongoing in the construction of the K setup to allow for the inclusion of a second species. After completion, this dual species BEC will be transported to a second chamber known as the science cell. My work primarily focuses on the design and construction of the optics and coils required to trap and manipulate the atoms within the science cell. The trap will have a quasi 2D “pancake” shape which will allow for the investigation of the roton minimum which is thought to be responsible for the formation of quantum droplets and supersolids. Additional work has also been completed in calibration of Feshbach coils using RF spectroscopy. The group have completed a significant optimisation and stabilisation of the machine and have begun experimentation, on 3 body loss and quantum droplet experiments. Once complete, the dual species experiment will be an ideal platform for studies of impurity physics relevant for the study of condensed matter.