EXPLORING ULTRA-NARROW PHOTON EMISSION IN THE KEV REGIME
Abstract
This grant explores some of the basics of quantum optics using kilo-electron-volt energy quanta. In the last half century, the invention of lasers has led to great progress in the area of quantum optics, involving an extraordinary control of the properties of light and its interactions with matter. Quantum optics is at the basis of a myriad of sensors used in many high-tech applications, in fiberoptics communications, in optical gyroscopes used in navigation and, possibly in a near future, quantum cryptography and computing. The light quanta used in these areas carry characteristic energies of about 1 eV and are generally produced by transitions of electrons from different atomic levels. Much deeper inside matter, there are electromagnetic transitions between nuclear levels that produce quanta of characteristic energies in the 1 to 100 keV, i.e. 1,000 to 100,000 more energetic than the light quanta above. There is a, mostly unexplored, quantum optic technology also associated with these much more energetic quanta. It is expected that several advantages may accompany such high-energy quantum optics because nuclei are generally isolated from the external environment, making more stable and background-insensitive probes possible. In addition, lasers involving keV quanta and coherence similar to that of optical lasers would open the door to a new revolution in the area. Within the scope of this seed grant are the first steps towards a new, ultra-sensitive device, capable to detecting new types of interactions at distances below one micrometer and the initial development of some techniques to improve the efficiency of excitation of some nuclear transition that are appropriate for the development of high coherence gamma-ray lasers. The results will contribute to the development of this new branch of quantum technology.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 20, 2023
- Source ID
- FA95502210439
Entities
People
- Giorgio Gratta
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Stanford University
- United States Air Force