65 research outputs found
Space-time sensors using multiple-wave atom levitation
The best clocks to date control the atomic motion by trapping the sample in
an optical lattice and then interrogate the atomic transition by shining on
these atoms a distinct laser of controlled frequency. In order to perform both
tasks simultaneously and with the same laser field, we propose to use instead
the levitation of a Bose-Einstein condensate through multiple-wave atomic
interferences. The levitating condensate experiences a coherent localization in
momentum and a controlled diffusion in altitude. The sample levitation is bound
to resonance conditions used either for frequency or for acceleration
measurements. The chosen vertical geometry solves the limitations imposed by
the sample free fall in previous optical clocks using also atomic
interferences. This configuration yields multiple-wave interferences enabling
levitation and enhancing the measurement sensitivity. This setup, analogous to
an atomic resonator in momentum space, constitutes an attractive alternative to
existing atomic clocks and gravimeters.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures.Final versio
The theory of quantum levitators
We develop a unified theory for clocks and gravimeters using the
interferences of multiple atomic waves put in levitation by traveling light
pulses. Inspired by optical methods, we exhibit a propagation invariant, which
enables to derive analytically the wave function of the sample scattering on
the light pulse sequence. A complete characterization of the device sensitivity
with respect to frequency or to acceleration measurements is obtained. These
results agree with previous numerical simulations and confirm the conjecture of
sensitivity improvement through multiple atomic wave interferences. A realistic
experimental implementation for such clock architecture is discussed.Comment: 11 pages, 6 Figures. Minor typos corrected. Final versio
6-axis inertial sensor using cold-atom interferometry
We have developed an atom interferometer providing a full inertial base. This
device uses two counter-propagating cold-atom clouds that are launched in
strongly curved parabolic trajectories. Three single Raman beam pairs, pulsed
in time, are successively applied in three orthogonal directions leading to the
measurement of the three axis of rotation and acceleration. In this purpose, we
introduce a new atom gyroscope using a butterfly geometry. We discuss the
present sensitivity and the possible improvements.Comment: submitted to PR
Ramsey interferometry with oppositely detuned fields
We report a narrowing of the interference pattern obtained in an atomic
Ramsey interferometer if the two separated fields have different frequency and
their phase difference is controlled. The width of the Ramsey fringes depends
inversely on the free flight time of ground state atoms before entering the
first field region in addition to the time between the fields. The effect is
stable also for atomic wavepackets with initial position and momentum
distributions and for realistic mode functions.Comment: 6 pages, 6 figure
Progress towards an accurate determination of the Boltzmann constant by Doppler spectroscopy
In this paper, we present significant progress performed on an experiment
dedicated to the determination of the Boltzmann constant, k, by accurately
measuring the Doppler absorption profile of a line in a gas of ammonia at
thermal equilibrium. This optical method based on the first principles of
statistical mechanics is an alternative to the acoustical method which has led
to the unique determination of k published by the CODATA with a relative
accuracy of 1.7 ppm. We report on the first measurement of the Boltzmann
constant by laser spectroscopy with a statistical uncertainty below 10 ppm,
more specifically 6.4 ppm. This progress results from improvements in the
detection method and in the statistical treatment of the data. In addition, we
have recorded the hyperfine structure of the probed saQ(6,3) rovibrational line
of ammonia by saturation spectroscopy and thus determine very precisely the
induced 4.36 (2) ppm broadening of the absorption linewidth. We also show that,
in our well chosen experimental conditions, saturation effects have a
negligible impact on the linewidth. Finally, we draw the route to future
developments for an absolute determination of with an accuracy of a few ppm.Comment: 22 pages, 11 figure
Is it possible to detect gravitational waves with atom interferometers?
We investigate the possibility to use atom interferometers to detect
gravitational waves. We discuss the interaction of gravitational waves with an
atom interferometer and analyze possible schemes
Quantum motion effects in an ultracold-atom Mach-Zehnder interferometer
We study the effect of quantum motion in a Mach-Zehnder interferometer where
ultracold, two-level atoms cross a -- configuration of
separated, laser illuminated regions. Explicit and exact expressions are
obtained for transmission amplitudes of monochromatic, incident atomic waves
using recurrence relations which take into account all possible paths: the
direct ones usually considered in the simple semiclassical treatment, but
including quantum motion corrections, and the paths in which the atoms are
repeatedly reflected at the fields.Comment: 11 pages, 5 figure
The optical calcium frequency standards of PTB and NIST
We describe the current status of the Ca optical frequency standards with
laser-cooled neutral atoms realized in two different laboratories for the
purpose of developing a possible future optical atomic clock.
Frequency measurements performed at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt
(PTB) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) make the
frequency of the clock transition of 40Ca one of the best known optical
frequencies (relative uncertainty 1.2e-14) and the measurements of this
frequency in both laboratories agree to well within their respective
uncertainties.
Prospects for improvement by orders of magnitude in the relative uncertainty
of the standard look feasible.Comment: 13 pages, 11 figures, to appear in Comptes Rendus Physiqu
Gravitational Redshift, Equivalence Principle, and Matter Waves
We review matter wave and clock comparison tests of the gravitational
redshift. To elucidate their relationship to tests of the universality of free
fall (UFF), we define scenarios wherein redshift violations are coupled to
violations of UFF ("type II"), or independent of UFF violations ("type III"),
respectively. Clock comparisons and atom interferometers are sensitive to
similar effects in type II and precisely the same effects in type III
scenarios, although type III violations remain poorly constrained. Finally, we
describe the "Geodesic Explorer," a conceptual spaceborne atom interferometer
that will test the gravitational redshift with an accuracy 5 orders of
magnitude better than current terrestrial redshift experiments for type II
scenarios and 12 orders of magnitude better for type III.Comment: Work in progress. 11 page
Perturbations of the local gravity field due to mass distribution on precise measuring instruments: a numerical method applied to a cold atom gravimeter
We present a numerical method, based on a FEM simulation, for the
determination of the gravitational field generated by massive objects, whatever
geometry and space mass density they have. The method was applied for the
determination of the self gravity effect of an absolute cold atom gravimeter
which aims at a relative uncertainty of 10-9. The deduced bias, calculated with
a perturbative treatment, is finally presented. The perturbation reaches (1.3
\pm 0.1) \times 10-9 of the Earth's gravitational field.Comment: 12 pages, 7 figure
- âŠ