PECASE: Creating Novel Quantum Fluids

提案题目：PECASE：创造新型量子流体机构：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，以检查一种新型量子流体的凝聚态方面：Rb-87的旋量玻色-爱因斯坦凝聚态。最初的实验背景和随后对这种有趣流体的理论研究表明，一系列有趣的现象有待探索。利用磁屏蔽和小尺度磁阱、大体积光阱、新型偏振对比成像和稳定的激光束，构建了用于拉曼耦合的专用实验装置。确定了四个实验目标：(1)首次观测到铁磁F=1旋量凝聚体；(2)利用新型原位成像技术探索旋量凝聚体的动力学行为；(3)获取旋量凝聚体的热力学行为；(4)首次观测到F=2旋量凝聚体。此外，预计其他精心设计的宏观量子系统将被探索以补充本研究计划。该研究小组最近发现的一个这样的系统是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一项教育活动计划一起进行。特别是，正在为高年级物理课程的教学创新建立一个资源。虽然教学创新已经成功地在物理导论课程中实施和测试，但在高年级课程中支持这些创新的资源开发却非常缺乏，尽管它们非常需要。特别需要的是一组经过测试的定性问题，适合课堂上和网络上的探究。这些资料将在高等现代物理学的三个领域进行收集和测试，分发给其他机构使用，并得到其他教育工作者的进一步支持。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。该项目最初是作为职业奖资助的，并于2004年5月转换为工程师和科学家的总统早期职业奖（PECASE）奖。

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.