PECASE: Creating Novel Quantum Fluids

提案标题：PECASE：创建新的量子流体机构：加州大学伯克利分校这个PECASE项目包括一个广泛的研究计划，以检查一种新的量子流体的凝聚态方面：旋量玻色-爱因斯坦凝聚的Rb-87。最初的实验背景和随之而来的理论研究，这种有趣的流体提出了一系列有趣的现象等待探索。一个专门的实验装置正在建设，其中包括磁屏蔽和小规模的磁陷阱，大体积的光学陷阱，一种新型的偏振衬度成像，和稳定的激光束的拉曼耦合。确定了四个实验目标：（1）首次观察铁磁F=1旋量凝聚体，（2）使用新的原位成像技术探索动力学行为，（3）评估旋量凝聚体的热力学行为，（4）首次观察F=2旋量凝聚体。此外，预计将探索其他精心设计的宏观量子系统，以补充这一研究计划。该研究小组最近发现了一种具有各向异性和可变临界速度的新型超流体。这些研究目标正在与教育活动计划一起进行。特别是，正在建立一个高年级物理课程教学创新资源。虽然教学创新已经成功地实施和测试的物理入门课程，资源的开发，以支持这种创新的高年级课程是非常缺乏的，尽管他们的巨大需求。特别需要的是一个银行的测试定性问题，适合在课堂上和基于网络的调查。这样的集合将被创建和测试在高年级的现代物理学的三个领域，传播在其他机构使用，并从其他教育工作者的贡献进一步支持。进一步的教育活动包括探索基于网络的课程交付系统，以及通过本科生，研究生和博士后研究职位培养未来的科学家。该项目最初作为CAREER奖资助，并于2004年5月转换为总统工程师和科学家早期职业奖（PECASE）。

Proposal Title: PECASE: Creating Novel Quantum FluidsInstitution: University of California-BerkeleyThis PECASE project encompasses a broad research program to examine the condensed-matter aspects of a novel quantum fluid: spinor Bose-Einstein condensates of Rb-87. The initial experimental background and the consequent theoretical investigation of this intriguing fluid suggest a range of intriguing phenomena waiting to be explored. A dedicated experimental apparatus is being constructed which incorporates magnetic shielding and small scale magnetic traps, large-volume optical traps, a new type of polarization-contrast imaging, and stable laser beams for Raman coupling. Four experimental goals are identified: (1) the first observation of ferromagnetic F=1 spinor condensates, (2) the exploration of dynamic behavior using a novel in-situ imaging technique, (3) accessing the thermodynamic behavior of spinor condensates, and (4) the first observation of F=2 spinor condensates. In addition, it is expected that other deliberately engineered macroscopic quantum systems will be explored to complement this research program. One such system, which was recently identified by this research group, is a novel superfluid with an anisotropic and variable critical velocity.These research goals are being pursued alongside a program of educational activities. In particular, the establishment of a resource for teaching innovations in upper-division physics courses is being undertaken. While teaching innovations have been successfully implemented and tested in introductory physics courses, the development of resources to support such innovations in upper-division courses is sorely lacking, in spite of their great need. Particularly needed is a bank of tested qualitative questions appropriate for in-class and web-based inquiry. Such collections will be created and tested in three areas of upper-division modern physics, disseminated for use at other institutions, and supported further by contributions from other educators. Further educational activities include the exploration of web-based course delivery systems, and the training of future scientists through undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral research positions.This project was originally funded as a CAREER award, and was converted to a Presidential Early Career Award for Engineers and Scientists (PECASE) award in May 2004.