Research Interests

Quantum Optics/Atomic & Molecular Physics

Professor John E. Thomas is exploring the physics of an optically trapped degenerate Fermi gas. The group pioneered the development of ultrastable all-optical traps for neutral atoms in 1999, achieving trap lifetimes of more than 400 seconds, comparable to the best magnetic traps. The group has developed methods for direct evaporative cooling of neutral atoms in optical traps, enabling the first all-optical production of a degenerate Fermi gas in 2001. The trapped gas comprises a degenerate 50-50 mixture of spin-up and spin-down fermionic lithium-6 atoms, widely believed to be a promising candidate for studies of magnetically tunable Fermi superfluidity. Ongoing experiments include attempts to observe cold gas analogs of Cooper pairing and high temperature superconductivity in this system.

Related Links
http://fds.duke.edu/db/aas/Physics/faculty/jet