FPGA-Controlled Versatile Microwave Source for Cold Atom Experiments

Abstract

We present a microwave source that is controlled by a commercially available field programmable gate array (FPGA). Using an FPGA allows for precise control of the time dependent microwave-dressing applied to a sample of trapped cold atoms. We test our microwave source by exciting Rabi oscillations in a Na spinor Bose-Einstein Condensate. We include, as supplements, the complete source code, parts lists, pin connection diagrams, and schematics to make it easy for any group to build and use this device.