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Frontiers of Physics

Experimental progress in the measurement and control of single atom trajectory

Jinjin Du, Wenfang Li, Pengfei Zhang, Gang Li, Junmin Wang, Tiancai Zhang

Published Feb 29, 2012• 4 citations
Publisher

Abstract

In this review article, the progress and recent developments in the measuring and controlling of single atom trajectories are reviewed. With the development of laser cooling and trapping technology, it is possible to achieve the measurement and control of single atom trajectory experimentally. The experiment of tracking a single atom trajectory with high resolution and the endeavor of eliminating the degeneracy of the trajectories are then introduced.

DOI
10.1007/s11467-012-0244-1

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In this review article, the progress and recent developments in the measuring and controlling of single atom trajectories are reviewed. With the development of laser cooling and trapping technology, it is possible to achieve the measurement and control of single atom trajectory experimentally. The experiment of tracking a single atom trajectory with high resolution and the endeavor of eliminating the degeneracy of the trajectories are then introduced.
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Recent progresses on quantum control of cold atoms and trapped ions in both the scientific and technological aspects greatly advance the applications in precision measurement. Thanks to the exceptional controllability and versatility of these massive quantum systems, unprecedented sensitivity has been achieved in clocks, magnetometers, and interferometers based on cold atoms and ions. Besides, these systems also feature many characteristics that can be employed to facilitate the applications in different scenarios. In this review, we briefly introduce the principles of optical clocks, cold atom magnetometers, and atom interferometers used for precision measurement of time, magnetic field, and inertial forces. The main content is then devoted to summarize some recent experimental and theoretical progresses in these three applications, with special attention being paid to the new designs and possibilities towards better performance. The purpose of this review is by no means to give a complete overview of all important works in this fast developing field, but to draw a rough sketch about the frontiers and show the fascinating future lying ahead.
Recently, laser cooling methods have been extended from atoms to molecules. The complex rotational and vibrational energy level structure of molecules makes laser cooling difficult, but these difficulties have been overcome and molecules have now been cooled to a few microkelvin and trapped for several seconds. This opens many possibilities for applications in quantum science and technology, controlled chemistry, and tests of fundamental physics. This article explains how molecules can be decelerated, cooled and trapped using laser light, reviews the progress made in recent years, and outlines some future applications.
We consider the mechanical forces exerted on atoms by light as a tool to make the atom more concrete as a particle. It can be pushed, trapped and observed in its own scattered light. Recent theoretical and experimental progress in the field of cooling and trapping of atoms demonstrates their palpable reality. The theory of the mechanical manifestations of light is reviewed, and its application to laser cooling is discussed. Traps for atoms are considered. The feasibility of pure light traps is discussed, and the use of other types of traps in laser applications is reviewed. We present briefly the main experiments proving the possibility of laser cooling and trapping. A brief discussion of applications and future experimental possibilities is given.