Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Precision Atom Interferometry

Sheng-wei Chiow, Susannah M. Dickerson, Jason M. Hogan, David M. Johnson, Tim Kovachy, Alex Sugarbaker, Mark A. Kasevich

Published Aug 28, 2011• 0 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

While the current generation of atom interferometric force sensors perform at levels which compete favorably with the existing state-of-the-art, the full potential of these sensors has yet to be realized. Advances in the quality of the atom optics used to manipulate atomic de Broglie waves, the brightness of the atomic sources, and attaining full control over the quantum many-body wavefunction of the ensemble of interfering particles all promise to bring the performance levels of these sensors to levels of precision which may have dramatic future scientific and technological impact.

Related papers

Atom Interferometry With Ultra-Cold Atoms

Mark A. Kasevich

The current generation of single-particle force sensors have achieved performance levels where they now compete with state-of-the-art instruments. Whether Bose-condensed atomic sources will enable a further performance gain remains to be seen. However, there are a number of tantalising possibilities which are emerging from current studies of condensate cohenerence properties.

Kluwer Academic Publishers eBooks•Dec 11, 2005•0 citations

Precision atom interferometry

Mark A. Kasevich

Recent advances in atom optics and atom interferometry have enabled observation of atomic de Broglie wave interference when atomic wavepackets are separated by distances exceeding 50 cm and times of 2 seconds [1]. With further refinements, these methods may lead to meter-scale superpositions. In addition to providing new tests of quantum mechanics, these methods allow inertial force sensors of unprecedented sensitivity. We will describe methods demonstrated and results obtained in a 10 m atomic fountain configuration, their implications for technological applications in geodesy, and their relevance to fundamental studies in gravitational physics. We will describe how entangled atomic ensembles can be used to obtain further performance gains, following our demonstration of 18 dB measurement noise reduction using spin-squeezed atomic states [2].

Conference on Precision Electromagnetic Measurements•Jul 1, 2016•1 citation

Inertial quantum sensors using light and matter

B. Barrett, Andréa D Bertoldi, Philippe Bouyer

Abstract The past few decades have seen dramatic progress in our ability to manipulate and coherently control matter-waves. Although the duality between particles and waves has been well tested since de Broglie introduced the matter-wave analog of the optical wavelength in 1924, manipulating atoms with a level of coherence that enables one to use these properties for precision measurements has only become possible with our ability to produce atomic samples exhibiting temperatures of only a few millionths of a degree above absolute zero. Since the initial experiments a few decades ago, the field of atom optics has developed in many ways, with both fundamental and applied significance. The exquisite control of matter waves offers the prospect of a new generation of force sensors exhibiting unprecedented sensitivity and accuracy, for applications from navigation and geophysics to tests of general relativity. Thanks to the latest developments in this field, the first commercial products using this quantum technology are now available. In the future, our ability to create large coherent ensembles of atoms will allow us an even more precise control of the matter-wave and the ability to create highly entangled states for non-classical atom interferometry.

arXiv:1603.03246•Physica Scripta•Apr 13, 2016•48 citations

Precision Atom Interferometry

Mark A. Kasevich

Recent advances in atom optics and atom interferometry have enabled observation of atomic de Broglie wave interference when atomic wavepackets are separated by distances exceeding 50 cm and times of 2 seconds [1]. With further refinements, these methods may lead to meter-scale superpositions. In addition to providing new tests of quantum mechanics, these methods allow inertial force sensors of unprecedented sensitivity. We will describe methods demonstrated and results obtained in a 10 m atomic fountain configuration, their implications for technological applications in geodesy, and their relevance to fundamental studies in gravitational physics. We will describe how entangled atomic ensembles can be used to obtain further performance gains, following our demonstration of 18 dB measurement noise reduction using spin-squeezed atomic states [2].

Bulletin of the American Physical Society•Jun 5, 2012•0 citations

Atom Interferometry and Inertial Sensors

Philippe Bouyer

Atomic quantum sensors are a major breakthrough in the technology of time and frequency standards as well as ultra-precise sensing and monitoring of accelerations and rotations. They apply a new kind of optics based on matter waves. Today, atomic clocks are the standard for time and frequency measurement at the highest precisions. Inertial and rotational sensors using atom interferometers have already shown similar potential for replacing state-of-the-art sensors in other fields. With Bose-Einstein condensates, also refered as atom lasers, the traditional experiments with atom interferometers can be greatly improved. Testing of fundamental principles, studies of atomic properties, applications as inertial sensors, and measurements of fundamental constants can benefit from the brightness (intensity and small momentum spread) of these coherent sources. In addition, the coherence properties of condensates may also allow BEC based atom interferometers to approach the Heisenberg detection limit. This corresponds to a measurement precision which scales like 1/N for N atoms and not like 1 / N as for independent measurements on N atoms.

Frontiers in Optics•Jan 1, 2007•0 citations

Atom Interferometry

Mark A. Kasevich

Atom de Broglie wave interferometry has emerged as a tool capable of addressing a diverse set of questions in gravitational and condensed matter physics, and as an enabling technology for advanced sensors in geodesy and navigation. This talk will review basic principles, then discuss recent applications and future directions. Scientific applications to be discussed include measurement of G (Newton’s constant), tests of the Equivalence Principle and post-Newtonian gravity, and study of the Kosterlitz-Thouless phase transition in layered superfluids. Technology applications include development of precision gryoscopes and gravity gradiometers. The talk will conclude with speculative remarks looking to the future: Can atom interference methods be sued to detect gravity waves? Can non-classical (entangled/squeezed state) atom sources lead to meaningful sensor performance improvements?

Frontiers in Optics•Jan 1, 2012•1 citation
While the current generation of atom interferometric force sensors perform at levels which compete favorably with the existing state-of-the-art, the full potential of these sensors has yet to be realized. Advances in the quality of the atom optics used to manipulate atomic de Broglie waves, the brightness of the atomic sources, and attaining full control over the quantum many-body wavefunction of the ensemble of interfering particles all promise to bring the performance levels of these sensors to levels of precision which may have dramatic future scientific and technological impact.
Recent advances in atom optics and atom interferometry have enabled observation of atomic de Broglie wave interference when atomic wavepackets are separated by distances exceeding 50 cm and times of 2 seconds [1]. With further refinements, these methods may lead to meter-scale superpositions. In addition to providing new tests of quantum mechanics, these methods allow inertial force sensors of unprecedented sensitivity. We will describe methods demonstrated and results obtained in a 10 m atomic fountain configuration, their implications for technological applications in geodesy, and their relevance to fundamental studies in gravitational physics. We will describe how entangled atomic ensembles can be used to obtain further performance gains, following our demonstration of 18 dB measurement noise reduction using spin-squeezed atomic states [2].
Abstract The past few decades have seen dramatic progress in our ability to manipulate and coherently control matter-waves. Although the duality between particles and waves has been well tested since de Broglie introduced the matter-wave analog of the optical wavelength in 1924, manipulating atoms with a level of coherence that enables one to use these properties for precision measurements has only become possible with our ability to produce atomic samples exhibiting temperatures of only a few millionths of a degree above absolute zero. Since the initial experiments a few decades ago, the field of atom optics has developed in many ways, with both fundamental and applied significance. The exquisite control of matter waves offers the prospect of a new generation of force sensors exhibiting unprecedented sensitivity and accuracy, for applications from navigation and geophysics to tests of general relativity. Thanks to the latest developments in this field, the first commercial products using this quantum technology are now available. In the future, our ability to create large coherent ensembles of atoms will allow us an even more precise control of the matter-wave and the ability to create highly entangled states for non-classical atom interferometry.
Recent advances in atom optics and atom interferometry have enabled observation of atomic de Broglie wave interference when atomic wavepackets are separated by distances exceeding 50 cm and times of 2 seconds [1]. With further refinements, these methods may lead to meter-scale superpositions. In addition to providing new tests of quantum mechanics, these methods allow inertial force sensors of unprecedented sensitivity. We will describe methods demonstrated and results obtained in a 10 m atomic fountain configuration, their implications for technological applications in geodesy, and their relevance to fundamental studies in gravitational physics. We will describe how entangled atomic ensembles can be used to obtain further performance gains, following our demonstration of 18 dB measurement noise reduction using spin-squeezed atomic states [2].
Atomic quantum sensors are a major breakthrough in the technology of time and frequency standards as well as ultra-precise sensing and monitoring of accelerations and rotations. They apply a new kind of optics based on matter waves. Today, atomic clocks are the standard for time and frequency measurement at the highest precisions. Inertial and rotational sensors using atom interferometers have already shown similar potential for replacing state-of-the-art sensors in other fields. With Bose-Einstein condensates, also refered as atom lasers, the traditional experiments with atom interferometers can be greatly improved. Testing of fundamental principles, studies of atomic properties, applications as inertial sensors, and measurements of fundamental constants can benefit from the brightness (intensity and small momentum spread) of these coherent sources. In addition, the coherence properties of condensates may also allow BEC based atom interferometers to approach the Heisenberg detection limit. This corresponds to a measurement precision which scales like 1/N for N atoms and not like 1 / N as for independent measurements on N atoms.
Atom de Broglie wave interferometry has emerged as a tool capable of addressing a diverse set of questions in gravitational and condensed matter physics, and as an enabling technology for advanced sensors in geodesy and navigation. This talk will review basic principles, then discuss recent applications and future directions. Scientific applications to be discussed include measurement of G (Newton’s constant), tests of the Equivalence Principle and post-Newtonian gravity, and study of the Kosterlitz-Thouless phase transition in layered superfluids. Technology applications include development of precision gryoscopes and gravity gradiometers. The talk will conclude with speculative remarks looking to the future: Can atom interference methods be sued to detect gravity waves? Can non-classical (entangled/squeezed state) atom sources lead to meaningful sensor performance improvements?