BEC-MOT Cells: Powerful Tools for Quantum Research

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BEC-MOT Cells
BEC-MOT Cells include many varieties such as dodecagonal cells, like the one pictured.

Introduction to BEC-MOT Cells

BEC-MOT cells, short for Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) and magneto-optical trap (MOT), are powerful tools for quantum research. These cells are key to creating and studying BECs.  This is a state of matter in which atoms cool to an extremely low temperature and condense into a single quantum state. BECs have several potential applications in quantum computing, quantum simulation, and other fields.

Box Cells
Box Cells Rectangular Pyrex

Features of Our BEC-MOT Cells

  • Customizable design: Precision Glassblowing produces BEC-MOT cells in a variety of shapes, styles, configurations, and sizes. In addition, we manufacture each cell to the customer’s specifications and needs.
  • AR coating: When possible, we offer an AR coating option for our cells to reduce light scattering. This is important for applications that require high-resolution imaging of trapped atoms.
  • Helium leak checking: In addition, we leak-check all BEC-MOT cells with Helium prior to shipment.  As a result of this process, we can ensure each cell is UHV compatible. This is important for applications that require a high-vacuum environment.
  • Materials: Our BEC-MOT cells are available in a variety of materials, including borosilicate, fused silica, and quartz. Of course, the choice of material depends on the specific application.
Fused Silica Rectangular Cells
Fused Silica Rectangular Cells

Applications of BEC-MOT Cells

  • Quantum computing: BECs create quantum bits, the basic building blocks of quantum computers.
  • Quantum simulation: BECs also simulate the behavior of complex quantum systems.
  • Other applications: These cells have a number of potential applications. For example, a few other uses include precision measurement, fundamental physics research, and medical imaging.
Small Six-Way Cross Cells
Small six-way cross cells.

Product Types and Examples

  • Box-shaped cells: We produce these cells from prefabricated cuvettes of borosilicate or fused silica and attached to CF flanges. Both styles may be AR coated on the outside only, with any desired wavelength or range of wavelengths. In this instance, some limitations may apply depending on the design or size of assembled cells. (See our Rectangular Cell Gallery)
Box-Shaped Cell
Pyrex Rectangular Cell
  • 6-way cross cells: These cells can be fabricated from borosilicate or quartz. In addition, double-sided AR-coated windows are available on the quartz version of the cell. (See our 6-Way Cross Gallery)
Quartz 6-Way Cross Star Standard
This six-way cross standard is shown rotated.
  • Octagonal cells: These cells offer all the benefits of a 6-way cross but with larger viewports located closely together for improved imaging of trapped atoms. The octagonal cells are made completely of quartz and feature double-sided AR-coated high-quality fused silica windows. (See our Octagonal Cell Gallery)
Octagonal BEC
Closeup of an octagonal BEC.

Learn More About These Tools

BEC-MOT cells are a powerful tool for quantum research. They offer a few features that make them well-suited for a variety of applications. Do you want to learn more about BEC-MOT cells or order a custom cell? Please visit our FAQs or contact Precision Glassblowing today.

 

For more information on the BEC process:

http://jila.colorado.edu/bec/

http://cua.mit.edu/ketterle_group/Introduction_to_BEC.htm

http://research.physics.illinois.edu/demarco/research.htm