Date of Completion

9-12-2016

Embargo Period

9-11-2016

Major Advisor

Edward E. Eyler

Associate Advisor

Phillip Gould

Associate Advisor

Susanne Yelin

Field of Study

Physics

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy

Open Access

Open Access

Abstract

This dissertation describes calculations and simulations which extend the optical bichromatic force (BCF), which has previously been examined primarily in the context of two-level systems, to more complex polychromatic fields and to multilevel systems. Through detailed examination of various simple multilevel systems, I develop prescriptions for the application of the BCF to general multilevel systems. I apply these prescriptions to simulations of the molecular systems CaF and SrOH and provide BCF parameters for each that will guide future experiments. The design of an experiment to measure BCF deflection of a molecular beam of CaF is discussed. I close with discussion of prospects for extending this work to a molecular decelerator which can be used as the first stage of a molecular trap.

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