Scientists in the Time and Frequency Research Group of JPL are currently developing a state-of-the-art laser cooling facility, with the ability to cool and trap a variety of both neutral and charged atoms. Part of the mission of this facility will be the development of a prototype for a space-qualifiable magneto-optical trap. JPL scientists will also be working with the other NASA principal investigators to identify and overcome the many technical obstacles to performing their experiments in space. In addition, ground based research to study the novel interactions of very cold neutral atoms with trapped ions is underway, as well as a project to built a cold dense atomic beam. Experiments in atomic interferometry and Bose Einstein condensation are also starting up.

People involved with the Laser Cooling Project at JPL:

• Don Franks
• Bill Klipstein
• James Kohel
• Lute Maleki
• John Prestage
• David Seidel
• Robert Thompson
• Nan Yu