Comprehensive Control of Atomic and Molecular Motion

"The Raizen Group has developed new methods of cooling and trapping that are applicable to any atom in the periodic table as well as many molecules. The starting point for our work is the supersonic molecular beam which is an standard tool in Physical Chemistry. The supersonic beam serves as a universal platform for cold but fast atoms and molecules that are seeded or entrained into the supersonic flow. We proposed that a series of pulsed magnetic field coils could stop and trap any paramagnetic species. This 'atomic coilgun' was inspired by the coilgun which is used to launch large projectiles."

Photo by Adam Libson

Dr. Mark Raizen is particularly proud of the construction, that by shear coincidence "looks" like UT's familiar symbol!

Center for Nonlinear Dynamics: Raizen Group Research areas