05 Seminars
Breaking Quantum and Thermal Limits on Precision Using Many Atoms in a Cavity
Prof. James K. Thompson
JILA and Dept. of Physics, University of Colorado, USA
During the twentieth century, the fields of atomic and laser science learned to master the quantum states of individual atoms and ions, enabling quantum-based precision sensors of time, acceleration, and gravity, as well as new probes of the fundamental nature of our universe. A new frontier is to move beyond the current single-atom paradigm of precision measurement with atoms, and now learn to harness interactions and correlations between many atoms for realizing even more precise probes of nature. I will discuss two lines of research in this area that may allow us to overcome quantum and thermal limits on today’s best atomic precision measurements. First, I will discuss our work using collective measurements to break through the standard quantum limit, a fundamental quantum fuzziness of any measurement using independent atoms. Next, I will discuss our work to break through long-standing thermal limitations on laser linewidth by utilizing a novel gain medium: the 1 millihertz linewidth optical transition in laser-cooled strontium atoms. I will conclude by discussing our recent observation of spin exchange interactions mediated by a cavity mode.
Last updated: October 10, 2017