Low-frequency radiofrequency heating of magnetized ultracold neutral plasmas

Applying radiofrequency (RF) pulses to ultracold neutral plasmas (UNPs) heats the electron component in a way that is sensitive to electron-ion collision rates. By measuring the RF heating rate as a function of plasma parameters, the electron-ion collision rate as a function of those parameters can be investigated. For instance, these collision rates can be measured as a function of electron magnetization from weak to extremely magnetized regimes. UNPs are excellent systems for these studies as their low electron temperatures mean that large degrees of magnetization can be obtained at moderate laboratory magnetic field strengths. In contrast to recent work we have done measuring high-frequency RF heating rates, low-frequency measurements should be more easily amenable to theoretical modeling. The larger experimental challenges measuring low-frequency RF heating will be described along with preliminary measurements of the low-frequency heating rates.