Optical techniques for Rydberg physics in lattice geometries

We address the technical challenges when performing quantum information experiments with ultracold Rydberg atoms in lattice geometries. We discuss the following key aspects: (i) the coherent manipulation of atomic ground states, (ii) the coherent excitation of Rydberg states, and (iii) spatial addressing of individual lattice sites. We briefly review methods and solutions which have been successfully implemented, and give examples based on our experimental apparatus. This includes an optical phase-locked loop, an intensity and frequency stabilization setup for lasers, and a nematic liquid-crystal spatial light modulator

Matter wave interferometry for inertial sensing and tests of fundamental physics

We report on recent developments concerning the commissioning of the Very Long Baseline Atom Interferometry test stand. Stretching over 15 m, the facility with its high-performance magnetic shield, Rb-Yb atom sources, and a low-frequency seismic attenuation system, will allow us to take on the competition with the stability of superconducting gravimeters with absolute measurements. By operating in a differential mode, we anticipate tests of the Universality of Free Fall at levels of parts in 10^(13) and below. We will furthermore report on matter wave sensors enhanced with opto-mechanical resonators as well as fully guided interferometry and discuss the potential of such systems in inertial sensing and fundamental physics. This work is supported by CRC 1128 geo-Q, CRC 1227 DQ-mat, the German Space Agency (DLR) through the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) (Grant No. 50WM1641), the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) through Photonics Research Germany (Grant No. 13N14875), and QUANOMET

Optical techniques for Rydberg physics in lattice geometries

We address the technical challenges when performing quantum information experiments with ultracold Rydberg atoms in lattice geometries. We discuss the following key aspects: (i) the coherent manipulation of atomic ground states, (ii) the coherent excitation of Rydberg states, and (iii) spatial addressing of individual lattice sites. We briefly review methods and solutions which have been successfully implemented, and give examples based on our experimental apparatus. This includes an optical phase-locked loop, an intensity and frequency stabilization setup for lasers, and a nematic liquid-crystal spatial light modulator