Vibration Isolation for Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics

Author: Bannerman, Stephen Travis

Year: 2006

Degree: Senior thesis (Major)

Advisor: Unknown, Unknown

Committee Member: None, None

Option: Physics

DOI: 10.7907/b6jh-fm72

Abstract

The mechanical stability of an optical resonator in cavity quantum electrodynamics experiments is crucial to establishing and maintaining strong coupling between an atom and the electromagnetic field of a photon. Vibrational noise from seismic and acoustic sources inside the laboratory is the largest impediment to the resonator's stability, and it is thus necessary to deliberately isolate the cavity from vibration. Efforts have been underway to create a new cavity QED experiment in the Kimble Group, with a major goal being to lower the background pressure in the cavity's vacuum chamber by an order of magnitude. This requires the design of a new vibration isolation system, comprising low outgassing elements bakeable to high temperatures. This thesis describes two new designs for vibration isolation which meet these requirements. One design, which employs blade springs similar to those found in gravitational wave interferometers, regrettably could not completed in the timeframe of this thesis. The other design utilizes a perfiuoroelastomer as its elastic element. It was tested and shown perform as effectively as the previous vibration isolation system.

Files