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We demonstrate simultaneous control of both the phase and amplitude of light using a conjugate gradient minimisation-based hologram calculation technique and a single phase-only spatial light modulator (SLM). Opt. Express 25 11692-11700 (2017)

We have demonstrated the experimental tools necessary to realize the topological Kondo effect in systems of ultracold atoms - New J. Phys. 18 075012 (2016)

Congratulations to Liam for winning the final year project prize at St Andrews!

Join Us! We are currently looking for a new PhD student to join our group. Click for more details.

Our investigations and comprehensive analysis of the Light Induced Atomic Desorption effect have been published - Sci. Rep. 5, 14729 (2015)

We have demonstrated a method to characterise pressure in a vacuum chamber using Magneto-Optically Trapped atoms - Rev. Sci. Instrum. 86 093108 (2015)

We have experimentally produced holographic light patterns which emulate target patterns to within a few percent by using a feedback algorithm - J. Phys. B 48, 115303 (2015)

We demonstrated a simple technique to achieve multi-wavelength holograms for cold atoms experiments by illuminating a single diffractive optical element with overlapped laser beams - Opt. Express 23, 8365 (2015)

In collaboration with our colleagues at University of Strathclyde, we have built and demonstrated a portable Magneto-Optical Trap for use in public science engagement.

Using a conjugate gradient minimization technique, we demonstrated guided optimization of holographic trap patterns - Opt. Express 22, 26548 (2014)

Our MPhys student Phil won the School of Physics and Astronomy Prize for Best MPhys Project 2014 for his work on holographic atom traps

Tiffany is presented with the 2012 International Prize in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences category of the Undergraduate Awards for her work on conjugate gradient optimisation of holograms by President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins

Dr Torralbo-Campo at graduation

Our MPhys student Tiffany won the School of Physics and Astronomy Prize for Best MPhys Project and is the 2012 International Prize Winner in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences category of the Undergraduate Awards for her work on conjugate gradient optimisation of holograms

Dr Bruce's graduation

Lara's "ponding" after the successful completion of her PhD!

Graham became our first group member to experience the School's traditional "ponding" upon successful completion of his PhD Viva

Our proposal for efficient production of Bose-Einstein Condensates using holographically-generated power-law optical traps was published in PRA - Phys. Rev. A 84, 053410 (2011)

We were the first group to successfully generate smooth, continuous optical traps for cold atoms - Phys. Scr. T143, 014008 (2011). The paper was selected among the journal's highlights of 2011.