The development of quantum mechanics has been one of the most important achievements of modern physics. Quantum mechanics constitutes the basic foundation of nature on an atomic length scale. However, quantum mechanics is often at odds with our classical world, seemingly contradicting everyday's experience. Certainties are replaced by probabilities. A single atom, for example, can be in different states or even at different positions at a given time. Furthermore, quantum mechanics poses fundamental limits: We cannot know an object's position and momentum at the same time. For nearly a century, it has been a dream of physicists to realize a macroscopic object that behaves purely quantum mechanically. A BEC is exactly this - its realization gives physicists direct access to the quantum mechanical world.

The first Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) in ultracold atomic gases were realized by Eric Cornell and Carl Wieman at JILA/University of Colorado, and by Wolfgang Ketterle, MIT, in 1995. These three researchers were awarded the Nobel Prize in 2001. Since then the field of ultracold quantum gases (Bose-Einstein condensates and degenerate Fermi gases) has revolutionized modern physics. But even with today's technology, achieving a BEC is not an easy task. A cloud of atoms needs to be cooled to ultracold temperatures just a few billionths of a degree above absolute zero. These are about the coldest temperatures ever realized, far colder than any naturally occuring temperature in the universe. Only with the development of powerful laser-cooling and atom-trapping techniques has it become possible to venture into these extremely cold regimes.

On May 4th, 2006, after a construction time of 1.5 years, Prof. Peter Engels, together with Collin Atherton, a junior undergraduate student, has created the first Bose-Einstein condensate in the state of Washington in his lab in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at WSU.
The experimental setup involves state-of-the art laser technology, ultra-high vacuum technology, high-resolution optical imaging, a host of custom-made electronics and extensive automation programming. During the construction, over 250 Autocad drawings were generated for custom-designed parts, and almost 300 purchase orders for commercial parts were filed. The expertise of Technical Services at the College of Science at WSU has been essential in realizing this experiment, since many central components are custom-designed and home made.

"Ultracold quantum gases are one of the most active and intriguing areas in modern physics", says Prof. Doerte Blume, a theorist at WSU who has been involved in BEC theory for many years. "The experimental realization of a Bose-Einstein condensate in Peter Engels' lab at WSU is a big milestone. It is a very exciting addition to our ongoing ultracold atomic physics research. In just 18 months, Peter's group assembled the apparatus with an enormous efficiency, expertise and dedication. I'm truly impressed!" "WSU has really burst onto the BEC scene!" commented Nobel laureate Eric Cornell (JILA / University of Colorado). "Their rapid experimental progress, coupled with a strong theoretical presence as well, makes Pullman a place to watch in this fast evolving, multidisciplinary field of quantum science." Next, the BEC researchers at WSU will exploit this fascinating new state of matter to venture deep into the odd world of quantum mechanics.