Niels Bohr Institute > Research > Quantum Physics > Ultra Cold Atoms

Ultra-cold Atoms

Research in ultra-cold atoms is a completely new world. As one of the very few places in the world the physicists in this research group explore the quantum properties of the atoms under ultra-low temperatures. Highly specialised quantum optic techniques are needed to achieve temperatures as low as the nano-Kelvin levels. By combining laser light and magnetic fields it is possible to hold on to the atoms and cool them down to near absolute zero.

When atoms are cooled down to temperatures near the absolute zero they develop very special quantum mechanical properties. At the low temperatures and relatively high atomic densities astonishing quantum phenomena occur that forces a new state known as the Bose-Einstein condensate. The atoms stay completely still and change into a sort of wave form. The waves of all the atoms sway in step and one cannot distinguish the individual atoms from each other – they have become one gel lump of a super atom.

The group experiments with two types of atoms: sodium atoms and magnesium atoms. Magnesium has some very basic levels of energy and it is considered to be one of the best candidates to create the world’s most ultra precise clock. It will be possible to produce a clock that loses only one second of the lifespan of the universe – around 14-15 billion years! The precise clocks can also be used for navigation and ultra exact measuring of huge distances in the universe.

Read more:

Ultra-cold Atoms >>
Theoretical Ultracold Atoms >>