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

Using Atom Interferometry to Search for New Forces

Jay G. Wacker

Published Dec 11, 2009• 0 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

Atom interferometry is a rapidly advancing field and this Letter proposes an experiment based on existing technology that can search for new short distance forces. With current technology it is possible to improve the sensitivity by up to a factor of 10{sup 2} and near-future advances will be able to rewrite the limits for forces with ranges from 100 {micro}m to 1km.

Related papers

Precision Atom Interferometry

Sheng-wei Chiow, Susannah M. Dickerson, Jason M. Hogan +4 more

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.

•Aug 28, 2011•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

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 interferometer inertial force sensors

Dallin Durfee, J. B. Fixler, G. T. Foster +4 more

We report on the progress in the development of high sensitivity and accuracy inertial force sensors which are based on atom interference techniques.

IEEE/ION Position Location and Navigation Symposium•Nov 7, 2002•5 citations

Advances in Atom Interferometry and their Impacts on the Performance of Quantum Accelerometers On-board Future Satellite Gravity Missions

Alireza HosseiniArani, Manuel Schilling, Quentin Beaufils +6 more

Recent advances in cold atom interferometry have cleared the path for space applications of quantum inertial sensors, whose level of stability is expected to increase dramatically with the longer interrogation times accessible in space. In this study, an in-orbit model is developed for a Mach-Zehnder-type cold-atom accelerometer. Performance tests are realized under different assumptions about the positioning and rotation compensation method, and the impact of various sources of errors on instrument stability is evaluated. Current and future advances for space-based atom interferometry are discussed, and their impact on the performance of quantum sensors on-board satellite gravity missions is investigated in three different scenarios: state-of-the-art scenario(expected to be ready to launch in 5 years), near-future (expected to be launched in the next 10 to 15 years)and far-future scenarios (expected for the next 20 to 25 years). Our results indicate that the highest sensitivity is achievable by positioning the electrostatic accelerometer at the center of mass of the satellite and the quantum accelerometer aside, on the cross-track axis of the satellite. We show that one can achieve a sensitivity level close to 5×10-10m/s2/Hz with the current state-of-the-art technology. We also estimate that in the near and far-future, atom interferometry in space is expected to achieve sensitivity levels of 1×10-11m/s2/Hz and 1×10-12m/s2/Hz, respectively. A roadmap for improvements in atom interferometry is provided that would maximize the performance of future quantum accelerometers, considering their technical capabilities. Finally, the possibility and challenges of having ultra-sensitive atom interferometry in space for future space missions are discussed.

arXiv:2404.10471•Advances in Space Research•Jun 26, 2024•21 citations

Quantum sensing for particle physics

Steven D. Bass, M. Doser

Quantum sensing is a rapidly growing approach to probe fundamental physics and explore new phase space for possible new physics with precision and highly sensitive measurements in our quest to understand the deep structure of matter and its interactions. This field uses properties of quantum mechanics in the detectors to go beyond traditional measurement techniques. Key particle physics topics where quantum sensing can play a vital role include neutrino properties, tests of fundamental symmetries (Lorentz invariance and the equivalence principle as well as searches for electric dipole moments and possible variations in fundamental constants), the search for dark matter and testing ideas about the nature of dark energy. Interesting new sensor technologies include atom interferometry, optomechanical devices, and atomic and nuclear clocks including with entanglement. This Perspective explores the opportunities for these technologies in future particle physics experiments, opening new windows on the structure of the Universe.

arXiv:2305.11518•May 19, 2023•2 citations
Atom interferometry is a rapidly advancing field and this Letter proposes an experiment based on existing technology that can search for new short distance forces. With current technology it is possible to improve the sensitivity by up to a factor of 10{sup 2} and near-future advances will be able to rewrite the limits for forces with ranges from 100 {micro}m to 1km.
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].
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].
Recent advances in cold atom interferometry have cleared the path for space applications of quantum inertial sensors, whose level of stability is expected to increase dramatically with the longer interrogation times accessible in space. In this study, an in-orbit model is developed for a Mach-Zehnder-type cold-atom accelerometer. Performance tests are realized under different assumptions about the positioning and rotation compensation method, and the impact of various sources of errors on instrument stability is evaluated. Current and future advances for space-based atom interferometry are discussed, and their impact on the performance of quantum sensors on-board satellite gravity missions is investigated in three different scenarios: state-of-the-art scenario(expected to be ready to launch in 5 years), near-future (expected to be launched in the next 10 to 15 years)and far-future scenarios (expected for the next 20 to 25 years). Our results indicate that the highest sensitivity is achievable by positioning the electrostatic accelerometer at the center of mass of the satellite and the quantum accelerometer aside, on the cross-track axis of the satellite. We show that one can achieve a sensitivity level close to 5×10-10m/s2/Hz with the current state-of-the-art technology. We also estimate that in the near and far-future, atom interferometry in space is expected to achieve sensitivity levels of 1×10-11m/s2/Hz and 1×10-12m/s2/Hz, respectively. A roadmap for improvements in atom interferometry is provided that would maximize the performance of future quantum accelerometers, considering their technical capabilities. Finally, the possibility and challenges of having ultra-sensitive atom interferometry in space for future space missions are discussed.
Quantum sensing is a rapidly growing approach to probe fundamental physics and explore new phase space for possible new physics with precision and highly sensitive measurements in our quest to understand the deep structure of matter and its interactions. This field uses properties of quantum mechanics in the detectors to go beyond traditional measurement techniques. Key particle physics topics where quantum sensing can play a vital role include neutrino properties, tests of fundamental symmetries (Lorentz invariance and the equivalence principle as well as searches for electric dipole moments and possible variations in fundamental constants), the search for dark matter and testing ideas about the nature of dark energy. Interesting new sensor technologies include atom interferometry, optomechanical devices, and atomic and nuclear clocks including with entanglement. This Perspective explores the opportunities for these technologies in future particle physics experiments, opening new windows on the structure of the Universe.