Developing and building an absorption imaging system for Ultracold Atoms

Abstract

In this report I attempt to outline the process of developing and building an absorption imaging system capable of imaging ultracold atoms. In the theory section I will discuss the elements required to estimate the atom number and derive the equations required to determine the temperature of the atom cloud. I will outline the general features of a microscopic - two lens imaging setup via the principles of geometric optics. A discussion of optical design process and its features will be carried out with an example on absorption imaging. The essence of basic optical design process will be given.

28 pages, 20 figures