The interaction of light with matter invariable involves the exchange of momentum. This exchange of momentum can be exploited to trap and remotely manipulate particles from the size of individual atoms to objects at the micron scale. Typically, the study of optical forces on these vastly different size objects is performed independently. The purpose of this project is to investigate the combined effect of these two, seemingly different, applications of optical forces. In particular, the project will involve modelling the optical field at the surface of a microsphere trapped by a focused laser beam and studying the interaction of laser cooled atoms with the field at the surface of the microsphere.
Supervisor: Prof. Kris Helmerson
See https://www.monash.edu/science/schools/physics/honours/honours-project to apply.