A high-flux BEC source for mobile atom interferometers

Jan Rudolph,Hauke Müntinga,Holger Ahlers,Wolfgang Ertmer,Claus Lämmerzahl,Klaus Sengstock,Tammo Sternke,Manuel Popp,Dennis Becker,Alexander Grote,Waldemar Herr,Achim Peters,Ernst M Rasel,Naceur Gaaloul,Christoph Grzeschik

doi:10.1088/1367-2630/17/6/065001

Abstract

Quantum sensors based on coherent matter-waves are precise measurement devices whose ultimate accuracy is achieved with Bose–Einstein condensates (BECs) in extended free fall. This is ideally realized in microgravity environments such as drop towers, ballistic rockets and space platforms. However, the transition from lab-based BEC machines to robust and mobile sources with comparable performance is a challenging endeavor. Here we report on the realization of a miniaturized setup, generating a flux of quantum degenerate 87Rb atoms every 1.6 s. Ensembles of atoms can be produced at a 1 Hz rate. This is achieved by loading a cold atomic beam directly into a multi-layer atom chip that is designed for efficient transfer from laser-cooled to magnetically trapped clouds. The attained flux of degenerate atoms is on par with current lab-based BEC experiments while offering significantly higher repetition rates. Additionally, the flux is approaching those of current interferometers employing Raman-type velocity selection of laser-cooled atoms. The compact and robust design allows for mobile operation in a variety of demanding environments and paves the way for transportable high-precision quantum sensors.

Highlights

One of the major quests in modern physics is to unify the fundamental interactions of nature
Quantum sensors based on coherent matter-waves are precise measurement devices whose ultimate accuracy is achieved with Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC) in extended free fall
The performance of the 2D+MOT does not saturate at the total cooling laser power of 120 mW that is currently available in the setup

Summary

Introduction

One of the major quests in modern physics is to unify the fundamental interactions of nature. E.g. loop quantum gravity and string theory, that describe gravity within the same formalism as the other interactions, make quantitative predictions that can be tested experimentally [1]. A crucial feature of these theories is the prediction of violations of general relativity (GR) postulates at different accuracy levels, allowing for experimental tests to discriminate them. Gravitational wave (GW) detection is another example where precision measurements are expected to test the predictions of GR on a new level [2]. All such endeavors require a new generation of measurement devices that feature the accuracy to probe for such violations

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