(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Letters & Science, 2018) St. John, Demi Rose; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Wm. Randall Babbitt
Ultra-high sensitivity acceleration and gryometric sensors have been proposed as optically levitated particles in ultra-high vacuum (UHV). Larger particles (10- 30 microns in diameter) provide higher sensitivity, but they are difficult to trap in UHV without particle loss. To overcome the radiometric forces that lead to particle loss, rare earth (RE) ion dopants can be incorporated into the particles to enable solid-state laser cooling of the particles internal temperature. This thesis theoretically and experimentally explores development of optical traps designed for trapping and internally laser cooling large particles. The analysis focuses on dual-beam horizontal traps and the development of code to analyze dual-beam trap potentials and particle loading dynamics. Tolerance analysis, improved particle loader designs, and monitoring and automation of the loading process are investigated. The thesis provides a road map for achieving efficient optical trapping, cooling, and control of large particles.
