Microgravity: living on the International Space Station

7 LASER cooling: researching quantum effects

You have now experienced some fascinating quantum effects. Next, watch Video 5 which is an interview taking place in the Open University’s Quantum Physics Laboratory. Here these quantum effects are discussed in more detail as they are applied on Earth. Their current and future applications on the ISS are also discussed. After watching the video, complete Activity 9.

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Video 5 Interview in the LASER cooling laboratory.

Activity 9 LASER cooling and ‘cold atoms’

Allow approximately 15 minutes

Choose the correct option to complete the following statements.

2. The cooled atoms move at speeds of about: