Precision Tests of Fundamental Physics With Large-Area Atom Interferometry

Light-pulse atom interferometry enables precision tests of gravity, electrodynamics and quantum mechanics, as well as practical applications in inertial navigation, geodesy, and timekeeping.  In our 10-meter atomic fountain, designed for a precision test of the weak equivalence principle, we have demonstrated an acceleration sensitivity of 6.7 x 10^{-12} g, the largest to date by two orders of magnitude. We also show that spatial fringes across the ensemble provide useful information about the forces acting on the atoms. With this technique we are able to measure precisely Earth's rotation rate and the direction of true North.
 
I will discuss current work to further improve the per shot acceleration sensitivity through large-momentum transfer beamsplitters, with a goal of meter-scale separation between the two halves of the quantum superposition of each atom. Finally, I will describe recent progress on achieving ensemble temperatures in the sub-100 pK regime through magnetic and optical delta-kick cooling, valuable both for reducing systematic errors in precision measurements and for extending the total free-fall time through a relaunch of the ensemble.

Speaker: Susannah Dickerson