Princeton University Laboratory Renovations

Located in Bowen Hall on Princeton University’s main campus, Thompson Lab is a renovation of an existing laboratory space to support research by Professor Jeff Thompson. Professor Thompson’s research centers on atomic physics experiments involving laser cooling and trapping of atoms to develop quantum computers. The fundamental physics experiments required for this research are built on optical tables that necessitate low vibrational interference and a high degree of temperature and humidity stability. The planned space will hold two Optical Labs designed to minimize disturbances as much as possible. Each lab is accessed from a shared Ante Room, which acts as a buffer between the hallway and the lab spaces. To adhere to the tight temperature requirements, a new mechanical room houses equipment separate from the Optical Labs. This room location is adjacent to the main lab space, so it was critical for it to be vibrationally isolated from the Optical Labs. Additionally, the space uses flooring that dissipates static electricity, preventing any electric shocks that might disturb the experiments.