A Next-Generation Ultracold Indium Machine

Ultracold gases of triel elements (atoms in Group 13 of the Periodic Table) have great potential for a next generation of quantum matter experiments. Triels have novel interactions that are not found in existing ultracold experiments, such as anisotropic short-range interactions and topological spinor physics. They also have several properties found only in isolation in other atoms used in ultracold science, such as optical clock transitions, Feshbach resonances, and anisotropic light-matter interactions. Our team recently realized the first ultracold gas of the triel element indium, achieving 10 μK-level temperatures, pure quantum state preparation, and optical lattice confinement. To further advance ultracold triel physics, our team is constructing a new apparatus with enhanced capabilities. This new system will enable us to reach Bose-Einstein condensation conditions, implement narrow-line laser cooling, and excite the indium clock transition. With these advancements, we aim to create the first quantum gas of a triel element and explore its novel quantum properties.