A versatile microwave source for cold atom experiments controlled by a field programmable gate array

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.