Ultracold Atoms for Foundational Tests of Quantum Mechanics

Ultracold Atoms for Foundational Tests of Quantum Mechanics
Author: Robert J. Lewis-Swan
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 161
Release: 2016-06-25
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3319410482

This thesis presents a theoretical investigation into the creation and exploitation of quantum correlations and entanglement among ultracold atoms. Specifically, it focuses on these non-classical effects in two contexts: (i) tests of local realism with massive particles, e.g., violations of a Bell inequality and the EPR paradox, and (ii) realization of quantum technology by exploitation of entanglement, for example quantum-enhanced metrology. In particular, the work presented in this thesis emphasizes the possibility of demonstrating and characterizing entanglement in realistic experiments, beyond the simple “toy-models” often discussed in the literature. The importance and relevance of this thesis are reflected in a spate of recent publications regarding experimental demonstrations of the atomic Hong-Ou-Mandel effect, observation of EPR entanglement with massive particles and a demonstration of an atomic SU(1,1) interferometer. With a separate chapter on each of these systems, this thesis is at the forefront of current research in ultracold atomic physics.

From Quantum to Cosmos

From Quantum to Cosmos
Author: Slava G. Turyshev
Publisher: World Scientific
Total Pages: 764
Release: 2009
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9814261203

Space-based laboratory research in fundamental physics is an emerging research discipline that offers great discovery potential and at the same time could drive the development of technological advances which are likely to be important to scientists and technologists in many other different research fields. The articles in this review volume have been contributed by participants of the international workshop ?From Quantum to Cosmos: Fundamental Physics Research in Space? held at the Airlie Center in Warrenton, Virginia, USA, on May 21?24, 2006. This unique volume discusses the advances in our understanding of fundamental physics that are anticipated in the near future, and evaluates the discovery potential of a number of recently proposed space-based gravitational experiments. Specific research areas covered include various tests of general relativity and alternative theories, search of physics beyond the Standard Model, investigations of possible violations of the equivalence principle, search for new hypothetical long- and short-range forces, variations of fundamental constants, tests of Lorentz invariance and attempts at unification of the fundamental interactions. The book also encompasses experiments aimed at the discovery of novel phenomena, including dark matter candidates, and studies of dark energy.

Controlling the Quantum World

Controlling the Quantum World
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 245
Release: 2007-06-21
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0309102707

As part of the Physics 2010 decadal survey project, the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation requested that the National Research Council assess the opportunities, over roughly the next decade, in atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) science and technology. In particular, the National Research Council was asked to cover the state of AMO science, emphasizing recent accomplishments and identifying new and compelling scientific questions. Controlling the Quantum World, discusses both the roles and challenges for AMO science in instrumentation; scientific research near absolute zero; development of extremely intense x-ray and laser sources; exploration and control of molecular processes; photonics at the nanoscale level; and development of quantum information technology. This book also offers an assessment of and recommendations about critical issues concerning maintaining U.S. leadership in AMO science and technology.

Advances in Atomic Physics

Advances in Atomic Physics
Author: Claude Cohen-Tannoudji
Publisher: World Scientific
Total Pages: 794
Release: 2011
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9812774963

This book presents a comprehensive overview of the spectacular advances seen in atomic physics during the last 50 years. The authors explain how such progress was possible by highlighting connections between developments that occurred at different times. They discuss the new perspectives and the new research fields that look promising. The emphasis is placed, not on detailed calculations, but rather on physical ideas. Combining both theoretical and experimental considerations, the book will be of interest to a wide range of students, teachers and researchers in quantum and atomic physics.

Quantum Optomechanics and Nanomechanics

Quantum Optomechanics and Nanomechanics
Author: Pierre-Francois Cohadon
Publisher:
Total Pages: 475
Release: 2020
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0198828144

This book fully covers all aspects -- historical, theoretical, and experimental -- of the fields of quantum optomechanics and nanomechanics. These are essential parts of modern physics research, and relate to gravitational-wave detection (the subject of the Physics Nobel Prize 2017), and quantum information.

Fundamental Tests of Physics with Optically Trapped Microspheres

Fundamental Tests of Physics with Optically Trapped Microspheres
Author: Tongcang Li
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 135
Release: 2012-11-02
Genre: Science
ISBN: 146146031X

Fundamental Tests of Physics with Optically Trapped Microspheres details experiments on studying the Brownian motion of an optically trapped microsphere with ultrahigh resolution and the cooling of its motion towards the quantum ground state. Glass microspheres were trapped in water, air, and vacuum with optical tweezers; and a detection system that can monitor the position of a trapped microsphere with Angstrom spatial resolution and microsecond temporal resolution was developed to study the Brownian motion of a trapped microsphere in air over a wide range of pressures. The instantaneous velocity of a Brownian particle, in particular, was studied for the very first time, and the results provide direct verification of the Maxwell-Boltzmann velocity distribution and the energy equipartition theorem for a Brownian particle. For short time scales, the ballistic regime of Brownian motion is observed, in contrast to the usual diffusive regime. In vacuum, active feedback is used to cool the center-of-mass motion of an optically trapped microsphere from room temperature to a minimum temperature of about 1.5 mK. This is an important step toward studying the quantum behaviors of a macroscopic particle trapped in vacuum.

Calling Taikong: A Strategy Report and Study of China's Future Space Science Missions

Calling Taikong: A Strategy Report and Study of China's Future Space Science Missions
Author: Ji Wu
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 58
Release: 2017-11-16
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9811067376

This book describes the status quo of space science in China, details the scientific questions to be addressed by the Chinese space science community in 2016-2030, and proposes key strategic goals, space science programs and missions, the roadmap and implementation approaches. Further, it explores the supporting technologies needed and provides an outlook of space science beyond the year 2030. “Taikong” means “outer space” in Chinese, and space science is one of the most important areas China plans to develop in the near future. This book is authored by Ji Wu, a leader of China's space science program, together with National Space Science Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, a leading institute responsible for planning and managing most of China’s space science missions. It also embodies the viewpoints shared by many space scientists and experts on future space science development. Through this book, general readers and researchers alike will gain essential insights into the current developments and future prospects of space science in China. Government decision-makers will also find the book a useful reference for strategies and planning in the field of space science.

Annual Review of Cold Atoms and Molecules

Annual Review of Cold Atoms and Molecules
Author: Kirk W. Madison
Publisher: World Scientific
Total Pages: 539
Release: 2013
Genre: Science
ISBN: 981444040X

The aim of this book is to present review articles describing the latest theoretical and experimental developments in the field of cold atoms and molecules. Our hope is that this series will promote research by both highlighting recent breakthroughs and by outlining some of the most promising research directions in the field.

Annual Review Of Cold Atoms And Molecules, Volume 1

Annual Review Of Cold Atoms And Molecules, Volume 1
Author: Kirk W Madison
Publisher: World Scientific
Total Pages: 539
Release: 2012-12-18
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9814440418

The aim of this book is to present review articles describing the latest theoretical and experimental developments in the field of cold atoms and molecules. Our hope is that this series will promote research by both highlighting recent breakthroughs and by outlining some of the most promising research directions in the field.

High Precision Optical Spectroscopy and Quantum State Selected Photodissociation of Ultracold 88Sr2 Molecules in an Optical Lattice

High Precision Optical Spectroscopy and Quantum State Selected Photodissociation of Ultracold 88Sr2 Molecules in an Optical Lattice
Author: Mickey McDonald
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 193
Release: 2017-11-18
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3319687352

This thesis unites the fields of optical atomic clocks and ultracold molecular science, laying the foundation for optical molecular measurements of unprecedented precision. Building upon optical manipulation techniques developed by the atomic clock community, this work delves into attaining surgical control of molecular quantum states. The thesis develops two experimental observables that one can measure with optical-lattice-trapped ultracold molecules: extremely narrow optical spectra, and angular distributions of photofragments that are ejected when the diatomic molecules are dissociated by laser light pulses. The former allows molecular spectroscopy approaching the level of atomic clocks, leading into molecular metrology and tests of fundamental physics. The latter opens the field of ultracold chemistry through observation of quantum effects such as matter-wave interference of photofragments and tunneling through reaction barriers. The thesis also describes a discovery of a new method of thermometry that can be used near absolute zero temperatures for particles lacking cycling transitions, solving a long-standing experimental problem in atomic and molecular physics.