PhD Projects:

(i) Quantum statistical experiments with a He* BEC:

This project involves measuring correlation functions of BEC above and below the transition temperature. These correlation functions reveal the true quantum coherences that underpin a lot of the properties of a BEC. We would also look at the relative phase between two BEC's, measure the build up of phase, as well as how it diffuses.

(ii) Design of a Continuously loadable magnetic trap:

The idea of this project is to design and construct a magnetic trap that can be loaded multiple times. The benefit of such a trap would be that many more atoms could in principle be Bose Condensed than is now possible. The system would comprise a low velocity source of atoms, followed by a magnetic guide, that loads a unique high field magnetic trap.

Honours Projects:

(i) Optical Trapping of a Metastable Bose-Einstein condensate

This project would involve the construction of various optical traps for confinement of our BEC. Optical traps offer the possibility of producing highly anisotropic confinement as well as periodic potentials. In both cases the physics of such systems is remarkable different to that of a symmetrically confined BEC. The project would involve, stabilisation of the trapping laser, design of the optical trap, computer control of the experiment and loading the BEC into the trap.