Using a three-path contrast interferometer (CI) geometry and laser-pulse diffraction gratings, we create a matter-wave interferometer with ytterbium (Yb) atoms. We present advances in contrast interferometry relevant to high-precision measurements. By comparing to a traditional atom interferometer, we demonstrate the immunity of the CI to vibrations for long interaction times ( $>20\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}\mathrm{ms}$ ). We characterize and demonstrate control over the two largest systematic effects for a high-precision measurement of the fine-structure constant via photon recoil with our interferometer: diffraction phases and atomic interactions. Diffraction phases are an important systematic for most interferometers using large-momentum transfer beam splitters; atomic interactions are a key concern for any Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) interferometer. Finally, we consider the prospects for a future subpart per billion photon recoil measurement using a Yb CI.Using a three-path contrast interferometer (CI) geometry and laser-pulse diffraction gratings, we create a matter-wave interferometer with ytterbium (Yb) atoms. We present advances in contrast interferometry relevant to high-precision measurements. By comparing to a traditional atom interferometer, we demonstrate the immunity of the CI to vibrations for long interaction times ($>20\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}\mathrm{ms}$). We characterize and demonstrate control over the two largest systematic effects for a high-precision measurement of the fine-structure constant via photon recoil with our interferometer: diffraction phases and atomic interactions. Diffraction phases are an important systematic for most interferometers using large-momentum transfer beam splitters; atomic interactions are a key concern for any Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) interferometer. Finally, we consider the prospects for a future subpart per billion photon recoil measurement using a Yb CI.

arXiv:1404.6028Physical Review ADec 1, 201438 citations

Bose-Einstein Condensation of Yb atoms

Yosuke Takasu

We could recently achieve the Bose Einstein condensation (BEC) of Yb atoms. Yb differs from most of the elements that have previously been condensed, because it is a two‐electron atom with the singlet S ground state. Furthermore the Bosonic isotopes of Yb, like 174Yb which we succeeded to condensate, has no nuclear spin, so that the ground state is completely spin‐less state and hence insensitive to magnetic fields. Thus a new type of atom could join the group of atoms for BEC studies. We would like to report how we could achieve the BEC of Yb atoms.We could recently achieve the Bose Einstein condensation (BEC) of Yb atoms. Yb differs from most of the elements that have previously been condensed, because it is a two‐electron atom with the singlet S ground state. Furthermore the Bosonic isotopes of Yb, like 174Yb which we succeeded to condensate, has no nuclear spin, so that the ground state is completely spin‐less state and hence insensitive to magnetic fields. Thus a new type of atom could join the group of atoms for BEC studies. We would like to report how we could achieve the BEC of Yb atoms.

AIP conference proceedingsJan 1, 20050 citations

Obtaining a high-visibility Bose-Einstein condensate interferometer

K. Jeramy Hughes, Benjamin Deissler, John H. Burke +1 more

APSJun 1, 20070 citations

>20\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}\mathrm{ms}

). We characterize and demonstrate control over the two largest systematic effects for a high-precision measurement of the fine-structure constant via photon recoil with our interferometer: diffraction phases and atomic interactions. Diffraction phases are an important systematic for most interferometers using large-momentum transfer beam splitters; atomic interactions are a key concern for any Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) interferometer. Finally, we consider the prospects for a future subpart per billion photon recoil measurement using a Yb CI.