title: Fast machine-learning online optimization of ultra-cold-atom experiments.
abstract: We apply an online optimization process based on machine learning to the production of Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC). BEC is typically created with an exponential evaporation ramp that is optimal for ergodic dynamics with two-body s-wave interactions and no other loss rates, but likely sub-optimal for real experiments. Through repeated machine-controlled scientific experimentation and observations our 'learner' discovers an optimal evaporation ramp for BEC production. In contrast to previous work, our learner uses a Gaussian process to develop a statistical model of the relationship between the parameters it controls and the quality of the BEC produced. We demonstrate that the Gaussian process machine learner is able to discover a ramp that produces high quality BECs in 10 times fewer iterations than a previously used online optimization technique. Furthermore, we show the internal model developed can be used to determine which parameters are essential in BEC creation and which are unimportant, providing insight into the optimization process of the system.
authors.affiliation: Quantum Sensors and Atomlaser Lab, Department of Quantum Science, Research School of Physics and Engineering, The Australian National University, Acton, 2601, Australia.
authors.forename: P B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Wigley
authors.affiliation: Quantum Sensors and Atomlaser Lab, Department of Quantum Science, Research School of Physics and Engineering, The Australian National University, Acton, 2601, Australia.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Everitt
authors.affiliation: Australian Centre for Visual Technologies, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: van den Hengel
authors.affiliation: School of Computer Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia.
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Bastian
authors.affiliation: Quantum Sensors and Atomlaser Lab, Department of Quantum Science, Research School of Physics and Engineering, The Australian National University, Acton, 2601, Australia.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Sooriyabandara
authors.affiliation: Quantum Sensors and Atomlaser Lab, Department of Quantum Science, Research School of Physics and Engineering, The Australian National University, Acton, 2601, Australia.
authors.forename: G D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: McDonald
authors.affiliation: Quantum Sensors and Atomlaser Lab, Department of Quantum Science, Research School of Physics and Engineering, The Australian National University, Acton, 2601, Australia.
authors.forename: K S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Hardman
authors.affiliation: Quantum Sensors and Atomlaser Lab, Department of Quantum Science, Research School of Physics and Engineering, The Australian National University, Acton, 2601, Australia.
authors.forename: C D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Quinlivan
authors.affiliation: Quantum Sensors and Atomlaser Lab, Department of Quantum Science, Research School of Physics and Engineering, The Australian National University, Acton, 2601, Australia.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Manju
authors.affiliation: Quantum Sensors and Atomlaser Lab, Department of Quantum Science, Research School of Physics and Engineering, The Australian National University, Acton, 2601, Australia.
authors.forename: C C N
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Kuhn
authors.affiliation: School of Engineering and Information Technology, University of New South Wales at the Australian Defence Force Academy, Canberra, 2600, Australia.
authors.forename: I R
authors.initials: IR
authors.lastname: Petersen
authors.affiliation: Institute for Photonics &Advanced Sensing, School of Physical Sciences,The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia.
authors.forename: A N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Luiten
authors.affiliation: Department of Quantum Science, Australian National University, Canberra, 2601, Australia.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Hope
authors.affiliation: Quantum Sensors and Atomlaser Lab, Department of Quantum Science, Research School of Physics and Engineering, The Australian National University, Acton, 2601, Australia.
authors.forename: N P
authors.initials: NP
authors.lastname: Robins
authors.affiliation: School of Engineering and Information Technology, University of New South Wales at the Australian Defence Force Academy, Canberra, 2600, Australia.
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Hush