Physics Colloquium, April 1, 2003

Universal Dynamics in a Strongly Interacting Fermi Gas

John E. Thomas

Professor of Physics
Duke University

Recent theory suggests that strongly interacting Fermi systems exhibit universal behavior. Hence, experiments which explore the dynamics of strongly interacting atomic Fermi gases provide measurements of parameters relevant to systems ranging from compact stellar objects to strongly correlated electrons. We use all-optical methods to produce a highly degenerate, two-component gas of fermionic 6-Li atoms in an applied magnetic field (910 G) near a Feshbach resonance where strong interactions are observed. In this case, the s-wave scattering length is estimated to be -104 bohr, which is large compared to the interparticle spacing. This system provides an excellent starting point for studies of universal interactions and the onset of resonance superfluidity at very high transition temperatures. I will describe measurements of novel expansion dynamics which may be a sign of superfluidity and measurements of the interaction energy which are in reasonable agreement with predictions for nuclear matter.

3.30 p.m., Smith Laboratory, Room 1005

Refreshments served in Smith 1094 at 3:00 p.m.