This research images trapped atoms in three dimensions, utilizing light field imaging. Such a system is of interest in the development of atom interferometer accelerometers in dynamic systems where strictly defined focal planes may be impractical. In this research, a light field microscope was constructed utilizing a Lytro Development Kit micro lens array and sensor. It was used to image fluorescing rubidium atoms in a magneto optical trap. The three-dimensional (3D) volume of the atoms is reconstructed using a modeled point spread function (PSF), taking into consideration that the low magnification (1.25) of the system changed typical assumptions used in the optics model for the PSF. The 3D reconstruction is analyzed with respect to a standard off-axis fluorescence image. Optical axis separation between two atom clouds is measured to a 100 mu m accuracy in a 3 mm deep volume, with a 16 mu m in-focus standard resolution with a 3.9 mm by 3.9 mm field of view. Optical axis spreading is observed in the reconstruction and discussed. The 3D information can be used to determine properties of the atom cloud with a single camera and single image, and can be applied anywhere 3D information is needed but optical access may be limited.

Line shapes for the Cs D1 (6 2S1/2–6 2P1/2) and D2 (6 2S1/2–6 2P3/2) transitions for He, Ne, and Ar collisions at pressures of 100–2280Torr and temperatures of 294–448K have been experimentally observed and compared to predictions from the Anderson–Talman theory. Asymmetry in the core of the line shape is generally correlated with shift rates, except for the Ne D1 line, which is red shifted, but blue shaded. There is a dramatic difference between the D1 and D2 lines for the shift and asymmetry parameters, particularly for He and Ne. A blue satellite is observed in the far wing of the D2 line at 827.2, 833.4, and 834.9nm for He, Ne, and Ar, respectively. The amplitude of the blue satellite scales linearly with pressure, exceeding 0.014% of the peak cross-section at 2280Torr. Modest red shoulders are observed for both the D1 and D2 lines associated with extrema in the difference potentials. Existing ab initio potential surfaces require empirical modification to adequately describe the observed spectra. However, the long-range dipole and quadrupole polarizabilities are sufficient to establish the observed broadening and shifting rates. Two distinct sets of difference potentials are developed that adequately represent the line shape observations. Predictions for the temperature dependence of the collision induced shift are significantly different for the two sets of empirically modified potentials.

A tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy device was developed to study atmospheric propagation for emerging high-energy laser weapons. The cesium diode-pumped alkali laser operates near 895 nm in the vicinity of several water-vapor absorption lines. Temperature, pressure, and water vapor concentration were determined for 150 m and 1 km open paths with statistical errors of ∼0.2%. Comparison with meteorological instruments yields agreement for the 1 km path to within 0.6% for temperature, 3.7% for pressure, and 2.4% for concentration.