Few-body Physics in Microgravity

POSTER

Abstract

This poster discusses an experimental line of research directed towards the study of few-body physics in microgravity. Dilute quantum gasses are a prime tool for the investigation of few-body phenomena. While significant progress has been made in Earth-based experiments, a microgravity environment affords new opportunities: In the absence of a need to support atoms against gravity, ultradilute clouds and ultracold temperatures can be realized. Here, we present our studies utilizing NASA's CAL (Cold Atom Lab) facility for the investigation of Efimov physics. CAL is a quantum gas experiment installed onboard the International Space Station. In collaboration with scientists and engineers from the Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL, Pasadena), our team is conducting research directed toward the measurement of Efimov states in an ultracold cloud of potassium atoms. The current status and next steps of the experiment will be presented.

*This work is supported by NASA

Presenters

  • Colby Schimelfenig

    • Department of Physics and Astronomy, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington

Authors

  • Colby Schimelfenig

    • Department of Physics and Astronomy, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington

  • Jose P D'Incao

    • JILA
    • JILA/ University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado
    • JILA, NIST and Department of Physics, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA
    • JILA, NIST, and Dept of Physics, Univ. of Colorado Boulder

  • Maren E Mossman

    • University of San Diego
    • Department of Physics and Biophysics, University of San Diego, San Diego, California

  • Peter W Engels

    • Washington State University
    • Washington State Univ
    • Department of Physics and Astronomy, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
    • Department of Physics and Astronomy, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164-2814, USA