Optimized matter-light interactions

We investigate the optimization of the frequency domain of matter-light pulses by using tailored polychromatic light fields, and demonstrate the possibility to deliver high-efficiency and resilient atom-optic pulses even in the situation of inhomogeneous atomic clouds and laser beams. We demonstrate that this approach is able to operate over long interrogation times despite spontaneous emission and to achieve experimentally relevant pulse efficiencies for clouds up to 100 μK. In the context of atom interferometry, where enhancing pulse efficiency is essential for improving fringe contrast and sensitivity, we show that polychromatic light pulses could overcome some of the most stringent barriers towards large-momentum transfer -achieving 850ℏk of momentum splitting with experimentally accessible parameters- and significantly reduce the complexity of atom interferometers. This work has far-reaching implications beyond atom interferometry and could enable groundbreaking advances in quantum state manipulation.

Published in EPJ Quantum Technol. 10, 9 (2023) and patented (WO 2022/229621)

This work proposes a new method of using optical cavities to enhance the performance of atom interferometers and enable the sensitivities required for these devices to investigate signals from dark matter and gravitational waves. The underlying concept relies on the use of circulating, spatially-resolved synchronously-pumped pulses within an optical cavity to facilitate a large momentum transfer without the need for drastic improvements in available laser power. We demonstrate the feasibility to realize 20 kW circulating pulses in a 1 km interferometer, enabling a momentum separation of over 104ℏk on the 698 nm clock transition in 87Sr .

Published in Communications Physics 4, 257 (2021).