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arXiv:2207.00673 · Quantum Science and Technology

Perspectives and opportunities: a molecular toolkit for fundamental physics and matter-wave interferometry in microgravity *

José Paulo D'Incao, Jason Williams, Naceur Gaaloul, Maxim A. Efremov, Stefan Nimmrichter, Björn Schrinski, Ethan Elliott, Wolfgang Ketterle

Published Nov 4, 2022• 2 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

Abstract The study of molecular physics using ultracold gases has provided a unique probe into the fundamental properties of nature and offers new tools for quantum technologies. In this article we outline how ultracold molecular physics in a space environment opens opportunities for (a) exploring ultra-low energy regimes of molecular physics with high efficiency, (b) providing a toolbox of capabilities for fundamental physics, and (c) enabling new classes of matter-wave interferometers with applications in precision measurement for fundamental and many-body physics.

DOI
10.1088/2058-9565/aca04a

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Abstract Existing space-based cold atom experiments have demonstrated the utility of microgravity for improvements in observation times and for minimizing the expansion energy and rate of a freely evolving coherent matter wave. In this paper we explore the potential for space-based experiments to extend the limits of ultracold atoms utilizing not just microgravity, but also other aspects of the space environment such as exceptionally good vacuums and extremely cold temperatures. The tantalizing possibility that such experiments may one day be able to probe physics of quantum objects with masses approaching the Planck mass is discussed.