Prof. Mossman stayed in the PNW for an extra week to attend the Institute for Nuclear Theory's workshop on "Compressible turbulence: From cold atoms to neutron stars" where theory and experimental experts attended to talk about their work and discuss ways to connect these seemingly disconnected systems through the lens of superfluid turbulence.
Post-bac Mark Gin and the Mossmans traveled to DAMOP together in Portland, OR. Mark presented his recent work on turbulence-induced drag in a superfluid, the Mossmans gave talks on hydrodynamics in BECs, and Prof. Mossman gave an invited talk on ways undergraduates can be invited to build community and physics identity.
Undergraduate researchers Nathan and August traveled to WSU for 2 weeks for the ExpandQISE Student Research Exchange program to learn about research at an R1 institution, engage with some close collaborators, and make new friends. During their stay, they worked closely with Prof. Peter Engels on a variety of tasks, including building new interference filter lasers for the lab, getting a chance to take some data for a new experiment, and doing some hiking on nearby Moscow Mountain. They also got the opportunity to engage with the REU activities at WSU, including the Art of Research workshop run by the department.
Post-bac Mark Gin and previous lab member David Vera both graduated! Both students technically completed their degrees in the Fall semester. Mark is graduating with a dual major in Physics and Mechanical Engineering and will be heading to USC to earn an MS in Mechanical Engineering. David is graduating with a double major in Physics and Mathematics and is heading to CU Boulder for his PhD to study physics. Best of luck to both of them!
Prof. Mossman was recognized at the provost's annual research celebration on bringing in more than $1 million dollars in grant funding during her time at USD. Other notable recognitions were Prof. Rae Anderson for receiving the award for bringing in $5 million dollars and Prof. Raquel Martinez for submitting a grant proposal in her first year at USD. Just some ladies getting things done.
The gang traveled to the APS Global Physics Summit in Anaheim, CA to talk some physics. Mark presented his poster on dam-break rarefaction and reflections in a BEC, and the Mossmans also gave talks on quantum hydrodynamics in BECs.
Prof. Mossman traveled with the fam and Prof. Engels to Anaheim, CA for the Quantum Jubilee heading into the week of the Global Physics Summit. During there visit, both Mossman and Engels were on-stage talking about BECs in microgravity in connection to the NASA Cold Atom Lab. Both mini-Mossmans were even psuedo-volunteers to make BECs on the ISS!
After fixing the magneto-optical trap beam profiles with updated optical components, we completed a molasses test where we determined that the atoms are at a temperature of approximately 100 microK. More magnetic field biasing needed in two other directions. Post-bac Mark Gin designed, wound, and implemented additional 3d printed bias coil mounts into the system.
The lab achieved first light! We successfully imaged atoms in our 3d magneto-optical trap using our newly completed computer control system and working shutters. Attempted molasses tests revealed an issue with the 3d MOT beam profiles - but that is an easy fix!
The National Science Foundation awarded Dr. Mossman a new award titled "ExpandQISE: Track 1: Quantum Analog Simulation with Bose-Einstein Condensates in Flexible Light Fields" which will allow her to increase the capabilities for the experimental apparatus at USD, help build strong connections between academia and industry, and allow for the development of student exchange programs and a public-facing quantum seminar series in San Diego. This award was granted with co-PI Peter Engels from Washington State University and will provide funding for 3 years.
See the NSF announcement here, and the USD College of Arts and Sciences announcement here.
Recent graduate Andrew Jockelle and senior student Mark Gin traveled for a week to Washington State University to work on independent research projects, experience working in an R1 university lab, and network. Andrew continued to develop the computer control system and Mark learned all about chiller systems for actively cooling hot current-carrying coils for magnetic fields. In addition to this, both Mark and Andrew participated in the taking of data on a new project for understanding quantum hydrodynamic flow profiles!
After doing some magnetic field calculatings and winding some makeshift coils for a weak quadrupole field, we had an even more exciting milestone in the lab: we extended our dimensionality by one to achieve a 3D magneto-optical trap! This system was designed and built by Michael Galik during his summer 2023 research. We are another step closer to condensates! See Instagram update here.
As a huge milestone in the lab, we achieved the first cold atoms at University of San Diego. After a year of dealing with vacuum issues, we were able to cool our first rubidium-87 atoms in a 2D magneto-optical trap - desgined and built by Judith Gonzales Sorribes during her time in the lab. This is the first stage of cooling as we drive to lower temperatures. See Instagram update here.
After replacing the broken valve, and performing some helium leak tests, we re-wrapped the apparatus to perform a low-temperature bakeout (version 3).
Dr. Mossman presented a public lecture entitled Understanding the physics of cold… from classical to quantum for the Frozen Realms Lecture Series at the USD Humanities Center.
Dr. Mossman has been named a 2024 Cottrell Scholar by the Research Corporation for Scientific Advancement, a great honor. This award, Cloud-based investigations of quantum turbulence in ultracold atomic gases, will focus on utilizing cloud-based cold atom apparatuses for both turbulence research and hands-on student educational experiences. As a part of this fellowship, Mossman will be developing a new class on quantum technologies that will begin Fall 2025. See program page for more information and news story from USD.
When attempting to close off her system to remove the turbo pump, the all metal valve on the system underwent a large *crack* noise and we lost vacuum. We are again sad for this loss of vacuum - but we have a way forward once more! (AMV replaced March 5)
A big day for QHL, as we have the first confirmed signals of Rb-87 fluorescence in our vacuum system! It took perhaps 8 days of cooking the ampoule at between 60-100 deg C before enough of the atoms made their way around the corners of the system to make it into the main 2D MOT chamber, but we have first atoms! Instagram update here.
University of San Diego hosted the CUWiP meeting for students in the SoCal region. Dr. Mossman chaired the local organizing committee and many members of the Mossman lab (Andrew, Michael, Mark) contributed as volunteers for the conference. Over 200 undergraduates and 30 speakers/panelists attended our conference and it was a great success! Dr. Mossman will continue to contribute to the APS Women Division as CUW*P leadership for the 2025-2027 meetings. See Instagram for story and USD News.
A new work has been published through the Cold Atom Lab collaboration on Quantum Gas Mixtures and Dual-Species Atom Interferometry in Space. The observation of the mixture in space between rubidium 87 and potassium 41 atoms is the first observation of its kind in microgravity!
E. R. Elliot, D. C. Aveline, N. P. Bigelow, P. Boegel, S. Botsi, E. Charron, J. P. D’Incao, P. Engels, T. Estrampes, N. Gaaloul, J. R. Kellogg, J. M. Kohel, N. E. Lay, N. Lundblad, M. Meister, M. E. Mossman, G. Müller, K. Oudrhiri, L. E. Phillips, A. Pichery, E. M. Rasel, C. A. Sackett, M. Sbroscia, W. P. Schleich, R. J. Thompson, J. R. Williams, “Quantum Gas Mixtures and Dual-Species Atom Interferometry in Space,” Nature 623, 502-508 (2023).
After replacing the broken vacuum part and replacing the rubidium ampoule, we re-wrapped the apparatus to perform a low-temperature bakeout (version 2).
Undergraduate researchers and 2023 SURE Scholars David Vera and Michael Galik presented at the APS Far West Section meeting on their summer SURE projects. This was both David and Michael's first poster session! Dr. Mossman gave a contributing talk on atom interferometric imaging.
Dr. Mossman traveled across the world to attend the 2023 BEC Meeting in Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Spain - the most prestigious meeting in her field. While there, she presented a poster with an overview of her work using atom lasers to measure optical and magnetic potentials.
Both Drs. Mossman traveled to Virginia to Wallops Flight Facility to witness the launch of NG-19 Resupply Mission Launch. This Antares rocket held the next generation of the Cold Atom Lab, SM3B. As a part of their trip, Dr. Maren Mossman was interviewed by NASA. Additionally, both Drs enjoyed many disc golf opportunities as they drove around the region and were able to celebrate their 10 year wedding anniversary in style.
After attempting to ensure the rubidium ampoule was broken, Dr. Mossman accidentally created a leak in the vacuum system. We are sad, but have determined the best path forward!
Our work, Atom interferometric imaging of differential potentials using an atom laser was published in Physical Review Letters, the top journal for physics research. This work was done in collaboration with researchers from WSU.
M. E. Mossman, R. A. Corbin, M. M. Forbes & P. Engels, “Atom interferometric imaging of differential potentials using an atom laser,” Phys. Rev. Lett. 130, 263402 (2023).
Undergraduate and postbac researchers, Judith Gonzales Sorribes, Danielle Smith, Dustin Greenwood, and Andrew Jockelle, traveled with Dr. Mossman to Spokane to attend the annual DAMOP meeting. Each researcher presented posters on their respective work and Dr. Mossman presented a contributing talk on localized quantum turbulence.
Undergraduate researcher, Carlo Sanchez, and senior design engineering team led by Andrew Jockelle presented posters on their work at USD's Creative Collaborations poster session for Research Week. Carlo presented on the python-based GUI system he has developed for the lab and the Senior Design team, composed of Andrew Jockelle, Joaquin de Cabanyes Galindo, Rachelle Childers, Matthew Gloriani, Blake Lindemeyer, and Christian Picos, presented on their work on the scripted control system for the lab.
Congrats to David Vera and Michael Galik for securing summer funding through the competitive USD Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Scholars Program! David will be continuing his work on the tunable lens system and Michael will be designing and developing the 3D magneto-optical trap optical setup.
Danielle, Judith and Dr. Mossman finished reconnecting the turbo pump and installed the mass spectrometer. Last thing to connect is the ion pump and we are ready to do a Helium leak test!
Judith, Danielle, and Dr. Mossman worked to get the vacuum system back together after having to redesign the 2D magneto-optical trap chamber mount (thanks to Danielle for machining!). We even installed our beautiful glass cell!
Dr. Mossman, the other Dr. Mossman, and Dr. Engels traveled to the Isaac Newton Institute at Cambridge for the Dispersive Hydrodynamics Workshop on Physical Applications.
Judith learned how to couple laser light into a fiber – making this a first for the lab!
The group traveled to Jet Propulsion Laboratory for the 4th anniversary celebration of the launch of the Cold Atom Laboratory. Students were treated to a tour around the JPL campus and mingled with well-known cold-atom researchers!
Our exoskeleton frame for the large optics table has been assembled! Thanks to the people at Vention for making this straightforward to assemble.
We have another optics table! The original table has been rolled down the lab, making room for a 3’x8’x8″ table for the Rb and K optical setups.
Dr. Mossman and post bachelor research scholar Judith Gonzalez Sorribes attended the APS annual meeting of the Division of Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics (DAMOP) in Orlando, Florida. Judith presented her first poster at an international conference, detailing the work completed by her, Danielle Smith, and Lee Lennon over the last year. Dr. Mossman presented work completed in an experimental collaboration with Dr. Peter Engels at Washington State University. Looking forward to another great conference next year!
Dr. Mossman and her collaborators at Washington State University published a paper on Gravitational caustics in an atom laser in Nature Communications (open access). Accompanying this publication is a feature article from WSU Insider about the research.
The Channel 8 CBS San Diego News stopped by the lab to talk about the new CBL Physics Identity Program and the importance of female representation in physics.
Student researcher Judith Gonazalez Sorribes presented her PHYS 496 research project during the PHYS 400 Poster session. This was Judith’s first ever poster session and she did great work! Judith has been working with Dr. Mossman to design and model the magnetic coils for the 3D magneto-optical trap, which will also serve as the main high gradient magnetic trapping coils for the machine.
Our stainless steel vacuum chamber has been baking out at 350 degrees Celsius for the last three months. Student researcher Danielle Smith has been the main student monitoring the temperatures and making sure that everything is stable. We will start to turn down the temps once finals are over.
The QHL had a distinguished faculty visitor this week. Dr. Engels from Washington State University (and Prof. Mossman’s old boss) came down for some sunshine and to come see the lab. Lots of projects that were close to finished were pushed into completion and we got a ton of firsts in the lab this week!
After some debugging, the current driver and temperature controller for the laser is up and running. This allowed us to get first laser light in the lab!
Once the laser was working, we were then able to set up the Rb-87 spectroscopy and applied our dither boxes (the one that Lee soldered and put together earlier this year) and adjusted our side-lock boxes for laser locking.
Now that we have a working laser system for cooling, we turned our attention to the vacuum system. After finishing putting together the necessary components, we revved up the turbo pump and saw there were no big leaks in the system (turbo revved up to the optimal 1500 Hz rotor spin speed).
After letting it run for the day, Danielle and Dr. Mossman went about wrapping the machine with heater tape and positioning thermocouples for temperature monitoring. During this time, Carlo Sanchez got the chance to solder for the first time!
Then it came to the actually wrapping of the machine in layers upon layers of tin foil to keep the heat in and well distributed on the apparatus. With four people focused on completing this task – it went rather quickly! Unfortunately we had to stop at ~75% because we ran out of thermocouples and needed to order more.
Thanks to Dr. Engels for his guidance this week!
Danielle, Lee and Prof. Mossman started assembling the UHV and getting the turbo pump ready for action! In this process, Danielle and Lee learned about proper (and clean) UHV part handling and procedures on attaching components for a UHV system (while rocking out to female power ballads from the 80s). Now we have a *very* heavy stainless steel main chamber assembled! It took all three of us to place it on the optics table – yay, teamwork! Chamber is upside-down in the last image. Everyone is taking off Monday to recognize Juneteenth, but then we are starting back up to assemble the 2D MOT chamber on Tuesday(!!!).
Lee, Danielle Smith and Prof. Mossman had a soldering party to put together a dual temperature controller for our homemade ECDL lasers. We even found a spare Weller soldering iron so that each student could work on different parts! Prof. Mossman was very excited about that.
Lee and Prof. Mossman finished soldering, putting together, and testing our +/-15 V, +5 V, 1.5 A power supply.
As an April Fools joke, Lee put googley eyes on everything and now we have tons of technology staring at us.
Was brought an old compressor by one of the technical staff in the department. After an inspection, necessary replacement of one of the bolts, and some finagling of table adjustments, we plugged it in and now have a floating table!
Student researcher Lee Lennon completed her first PCB after learning to solder and read a circuit diagram in the lab. The circuit she completed is a dither circuit used to lock to a specific frequency with our ECDLs.
Ordered my electronics boards from OshPark and started getting some boards made.
Shelving and hanging racks are coming together in the lab. Tom does beautiful work! I also have compressed air now and no chilled water running over where my tables (and thus optics and electronics) are.
We received our first optics table from UCSD Surplus! It is a used 4’x8’x12″ table that was a bit damaged, dirty and dusty (it was like that before I bought it!), but I spent a good while cleaning the surface and making it presentable. Looking forward to filling it up with optics and lasers!
My family and I arrived in San Diego 10 days ago and I am finally getting the chance to come to campus (masks on!) to move into my office and check out my lab. After unpacking all of my books and organizing my office, I took the laser given to me from my old PI to the lab. I am very fortunate to have had a PI that is willing to share so many things with me, including old apparatus designs, electronic schematics, and an old ECDL laser of an older design so that I can start testing my SatSpec setups and electronics.
Looking at the lab, there are some modifications that I am hoping to get done, including
Removing the exhaust arm from the ceiling
Installing a 2′ deep shelving unit along the North wall for frequency generators and DAC & TTL electronics
Installing pressurized air for floating tables
Installing anchored racks from the ceiling
In my first trip, I marked off where two tables could go – one 4′ x 8′ and the other a 4′ x 10′. I made a scaled model of the lab after being given dimensions of the lab to play around with table positions. However, looking at the space with marked tape, it looks like these two tables may not be ideal for this space. I now need to consider perhaps using a single large table for the lab. This has been done before, for instance in Debbie Jin’s lab and in Eric Cornell’s original lab. So with careful planning, I could build everything on a single 5′ x 10′ table. I have also considered building all of the SatSpec setups in a rack system – which I am still considering but I need to look at the space more carefully once I have the optics table position planned out!
This is all a new adventure for me and I have a great blank canvas to start!