Author Archives: Wolf von Klitzing

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PRL: Atomtronic Matter-Wave Lensing to pico-Kelvin temperatures

Phys. Rev. Lett. 126, 170402 (2021)

S. Pandey, H. Mas, G. Vasilakis, and W. von Klitzing 

Our latest PRL entitled “Atomtronic Matter-Wave Lensing” has just been published in Physical Review Letters.
It has been featured as a synopsis in Physics.APS.org.

Abstract

In this Letter, we demonstrate magnetogravitational matter-wave lensing as a novel tool in atom-optics in atomtronic waveguides. We collimate and focus matter waves originating from Bose-Einstein condensates and ultracold thermal atoms in ring-shaped time-averaged adiabatic potentials. We demonstrate “delta-kick cooling” of Bose-Einstein condensates, reducing their expansion energies by a factor of 46 down to 800 pK. The atomtronic waveguide ring has a diameter of less than one millimeter, compared to other state- of-the-art experiments requiring zero gravity or free-flight distances of ten meters and more. This level of control with extremely reduced spatial requirements is an important step toward atomtronic quantum sensors.

A synopsis was published in Physics — https://physics.aps.org/articles/v14/s55

Figure 3 from the paper demonstrating cooling by a factor of XX down to the picokelvin (pK) level

Decoherence-free Subspace data

Our latest paper: Decoherence-free radiofrequency dressed subspaces in online

Decoherence-free radiofrequency dressed subspaces

G.A. Sinuco-Leon, H. Mas, S. Pandey, G. Vasilakis, B.M. Garraway, W. von Klitzing

We study the spectral signatures and coherence properties of radiofrequency dressed hyperfine Zeeman sub-levels of 87Rb. Experimentally, we engineer combinations of static and RF magnetic fields to modify the response of the atomic spin states to environmental magnetic field noise. We demonstrate analytically and experimentally the existence of ‘magic’ dressing conditions where decoherence due to electromagnetic field noise is strongly suppressed. Building upon this result, we propose a bi-chromatic dressing configuration that reduces the global sensitivity of the atomic ground states to low-frequency noise, and enables the simultaneous protection of multiple transitions between the two ground hyperfine manifolds of atomic alkali species. Our methods produce protected transitions between any pair of hyperfine sub-levels at arbitrary (low) DC-magnetic fields.

Now on arXive !n

Elgar interferometer sequence

Our paper on gravitational wave detection is accepted !

Our paper on the detection of gravitational waves using ground-based matterwave interferometers has just been accepted by Classical and Quantum Gravity:

Canuel et al 2020 Class. Quantum Grav. https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6382/aba80e

Abstract

Gravitational Waves (GWs) were observed for the first time in 2015, one century after Einstein predicted their existence. There is now growing interest to extend the detection bandwidth to low frequency. The scientific potential of multi-frequency GW astronomy is enormous as it would enable to obtain a more complete picture of cosmic events and mechanisms. This is a unique and entirely new opportunity for the future of astronomy, the success of which depends upon the decisions being made on existing and new infrastructures. The prospect of combining observations from the future space-based instrument LISA together with third generation ground based detectors will open the way towards multi-band GW astronomy, but will leave the infrasound (0.1 Hz to 10 Hz) band uncovered. GW detectors based on matter wave interferometry promise to fill such a sensitivity gap. We propose the European Laboratory for Gravitation and Atom-interferometric Research (ELGAR), an underground infrastructure based on the latest progress in atomic physics, to study space-time and gravitation with the primary goal of detecting GWs in the infrasound band. ELGAR will directly inherit from large research facilities now being built in Europe for the study of large scale atom interferometry and will drive new pan-European synergies from top research centers developing quantum sensors. ELGAR will measure GW radiation in the infrasound band with a peak strain sensitivity of 3.3×10-22/√Hz at 1.7 Hz. The antenna will have an impact on diverse fundamental and applied research fields beyond GW astronomy, including gravitation, general relativity, and geology.

AEDGE paper accepted in EJP

Our paper AEDGE: Atomic Experiment for Dark Matter and Gravity Exploration in Space has just been accepted in EJP!

Abstract

We propose in this White Paper a concept for a space experiment using cold atoms to search for ultra-light dark matter, and to detect gravitational waves in the frequency range between the most sensitive ranges of LISA and the terrestrial LIGO/Virgo/KAGRA/INDIGO experiments. This interdisciplinary experiment, called Atomic Experiment for Dark Matter and Gravity Exploration (AEDGE), will also complement other planned searches for dark matter, and exploit synergies with other gravitational wave detectors. We give examples of the extended range of sensitivity to ultra-light dark matter offered by AEDGE, and how its gravitational-wave measurements could explore the assembly of super-massive black holes, first-order phase transitions in the early universe and cosmic strings. AEDGE will be based upon technologies now being developed for terrestrial experiments using cold atoms, and will benefit from the space experience obtained with, e.g., LISA and cold atom experiments in microgravity.

ELGAR featured in PhysicsWorld.com

Our ELGAR proposal to build a ground-based detector for Gravitational Waves has been featured in PhysicsWorld.com: “Physicists from across Europe have revealed plans for a huge underground gravitational-wave observatory that, if funded, could be operational by the mid-2030s. The European Laboratory for Gravitational and Atom-interferometric Research (ELGAR) could be located in either France or Italy and would cost around €200m to build. Those involved in the project have now applied for European funding to carry out a detailed design and costing for the facility.”

White paper on: Exploring the Foundations of the Universe with Space Tests of the Equivalence Principle

We have just published on https://arxiv.org/abs/1908.11785 a white paper on the scientific motivation for future space tests of the equivalence principle, to explore some of the big questions in physics (e.g. Equivalence Principle, Dark Matter and Gravitational Waves) using matter-wave interferometry, especially in space.

We discuss two possible mission scenarios, one based on quantum technologies, the other on electrostatic accelerometers, that could reach that goal are briefly discussed. We propose experiments to test the universality of free fall, at the level of 10−17 or better.

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