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

PRX Quantum

Practical Limits for Large-Momentum-Transfer Clock Atom Interferometers

Mauro Chiarotti, Jonathan N. Tinsley, Satvika Bandarupally, Shamaila Manzoor, Michele Sacco, Leonardo Salvi, N. Poli

Published Sep 30, 2022• 13 citations
Publisher

Abstract

The effect of laser frequency noise on large momentum transfer clock atom interferometers is dramatically higher than previously thought, necessitating the design of laser systems with both high power and very narrow linewidths.
DOI
10.1103/prxquantum.3.030348

Related papers

Cumulative fidelity of large-momentum-transfer clock atom interferometers in the presence of laser noise

Yijun Jiang, Jan Rudolph, Jason M. Hogan

Physical Review A•Mar 9, 2026•0 citations

A large mode optical resonator for enhanced atom interferometry

Sapam Ranjita Chanu, N. Mielec, David Holleville +5 more

The development of atom interferometry in the last few decades has led to high precision measurements of inertial effects and tests of fundamental physics. New methods for higher sensitivity atom interferometers (AIs) are being explored, particularly the interrogation of atoms with optical cavities [1]. Its benefits would be higher optical power allowing large momentum transfer beam splitters, and possibly cleaner and controlled phase profiles. However high sensitivity AIs require long interrogation times, which combined with cold atom expansion, bring the challenges of large waists in cavities.

Joint Conference of the European Frequency and Time Forum and IEEE International Frequency Control Symposium (EFTF/IFCS)•Jul 1, 2017•0 citations

Practical limits for large-momentum-transfer clock atom interferometers

Mauro Chiarotti, Jonathan N. Tinsley, Satvika Bandarupally +4 more

Atom interferometry on optical clock transitions is being pursued for numerous long-baseline experiments both terrestrially and for future space missions. Crucial to meeting these experiments' required sensitivities is the implementation of large momentum transfer ($>$10$^3\hbar k$). Here we show that to sequentially apply such a large momentum via $π$ pulses places stringent requirements on the frequency noise of the interferometry laser, finding that the linewidth is required to be considerably lower than has previously been suggested. This is due to imperfect pulse fidelity in the presence of noise and is apparent even for an atom at rest interacting with resonant light, making this a fundamental constraint on operational fidelity for a given laser and pulse sequence. Within this framework, we further present and analyse two high-power, frequency-stabilised laser sources designed to perform interferometry on the $^1$S$_0$ - $^3$P$_0$ clock transitions of cadmium and strontium, respectively operating at 332 nm and 698 nm.

arXiv:2206.05145•Jun 10, 2022•0 citations

High flux atom lasers, interferometry, and the shot noise limit

Nicholas P. Robins, J. J. Hope, Simon A. Haine +5 more

In this paper we present experimental results on flux, fluctuations and noise on an atom laser beam and discuss the implications of these measurements to high precision interferometry with atoms.

Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics•Jan 1, 2006•0 citations

Cumulative fidelity of LMT clock atom interferometers in the presence of laser noise

Yijun Jiang, Jason M. Hogan, Jan Rudolph

Clock atom interferometry is an emerging technique in precision measurement, well suited for sensitivity enhancement through large momentum transfer (LMT). Although next-generation sensors aim for LMT factors beyond $10^4$, their feasibility has been questioned due to potential impacts of laser frequency noise. We address this concern by analyzing the cumulative fidelity of sequential state inversions, showing that population error scales linearly with pulse number, not quadratically. Parasitic interferometer paths from imperfect pulses contribute negligibly, confirming that laser frequency noise is not a practical limitation.

Optical and Quantum Sensing and Precision Metrology II•Mar 5, 2026•0 citations

Laser wavefront perturbations in extreme momentum transfer atom interferometers: effects and mitigation strategies (Conference Presentation)

Tim Kovachy

Optical and Quantum Sensing and Precision Metrology II•Mar 27, 2020•0 citations
The development of atom interferometry in the last few decades has led to high precision measurements of inertial effects and tests of fundamental physics. New methods for higher sensitivity atom interferometers (AIs) are being explored, particularly the interrogation of atoms with optical cavities [1]. Its benefits would be higher optical power allowing large momentum transfer beam splitters, and possibly cleaner and controlled phase profiles. However high sensitivity AIs require long interrogation times, which combined with cold atom expansion, bring the challenges of large waists in cavities.
Atom interferometry on optical clock transitions is being pursued for numerous long-baseline experiments both terrestrially and for future space missions. Crucial to meeting these experiments' required sensitivities is the implementation of large momentum transfer ($>101010^3\hbar k$). Here we show that to sequentially apply such a large momentum via πππ pulses places stringent requirements on the frequency noise of the interferometry laser, finding that the linewidth is required to be considerably lower than has previously been suggested. This is due to imperfect pulse fidelity in the presence of noise and is apparent even for an atom at rest interacting with resonant light, making this a fundamental constraint on operational fidelity for a given laser and pulse sequence. Within this framework, we further present and analyse two high-power, frequency-stabilised laser sources designed to perform interferometry on the 1^11S0_00​ - 3^33P0_00​ clock transitions of cadmium and strontium, respectively operating at 332 nm and 698 nm.
Clock atom interferometry is an emerging technique in precision measurement, well suited for sensitivity enhancement through large momentum transfer (LMT). Although next-generation sensors aim for LMT factors beyond 10410^4104, their feasibility has been questioned due to potential impacts of laser frequency noise. We address this concern by analyzing the cumulative fidelity of sequential state inversions, showing that population error scales linearly with pulse number, not quadratically. Parasitic interferometer paths from imperfect pulses contribute negligibly, confirming that laser frequency noise is not a practical limitation.