Description:

Abstract: Precise control of quantum states allows atom interferometers to explore fundamental physics and perform inertial sensing. For atomic fountain interferometers, the measurement time is limited by the available free-fall time in meters-long apparatus to a few seconds. We instead realize atom interferometry with a coherent spatial superposition state held by an optical lattice beyond 1 minute, which is more than 25 times longer than any atomic fountain interferometer. This performance was made possible by recent advances in the understanding and control of coherence-limiting mechanisms. An order of magnitude increase in sensitivity enables near-term applications such as gravimetry measurements, searches for fifth forces, or fundamental probes into the non-classical nature of gravity.

Speaker: Cristian Panda, University of California, Berkeley

Keywords: CFP, Physics