Links for 2009-09-26

Title of the week from PRL.

"We demonstrate a novel atom interferometric force sensor based on phase slips in the dynamic evolution of a squeezed-state array of degenerate 87Rb atoms confined in a one-dimensional optical lattice. The truncated Wigner approximation is used to model our observations."

"We have achieved Bose-Einstein condensation of 40Ca, the first for an alkaline earth element. The influence of elastic and inelastic collisions associated with the large ground-state s-wave scattering length of 40Ca was measured. From these findings, an optimized loading and cooling scheme was developed that allowed us to condense about 2Ã10^4 atoms after laser cooling in a two-stage magneto-optical trap and subsequent forced evaporation in a crossed dipole trap within less than 3 s. The condensation of an alkaline earth element opens novel opportunities for precision measurements on the narrow intercombination lines as well as investigations of molecular states at the 1S-3P asymptotes."

"HARP ran in 2001 and 2002 but severe disagreements over the quality of data analysis within the group led to a split in 2004. Some 100 members of the collaboration remained as the "official" HARP group, while the remaining 20 formed a new group under [Friederich] Dydak, who had been spokesman of the collaboration as a whole but was not re-elected in 2003. "

"Losing to our NFC East rivals the Giants in our brand-new stadium was really the last straw," added Dalrymple, who said Jones "insisted" that the $1.2 billion facility would solve all of the team's problems. "The Cowboys need to focus on winning, and we can't do that with Jerry's incessant ego-boosting publicity stunts, or this opulent sports venue that's devoted more to himself than achieving postseason success."