Microwave atom chip-based gravimetry for Counter-WMD
Abstract
The research objective of this project is to develop and study a novel trapped atom interferometer gravimeter, on an atom chip, based on spin-dependent AC Zeeman potentials. Trapped atom interferometers benefit from long integration times for increased sensitivity to external forces such as gravity and for the detection of very weak variations of local gravity. The compact nature of these interferometers makes them strong candidates for mobile gravimetry and standoff detection of hidden infrastructure, typically underground, that supports the development of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The interferometer design relies on the AC Zeeman force, a highly versatile but little studied interaction between atoms and microwave magnetic fields, which is crucially enhanced by the strong microwave gradients generated by atom chips. The necessary AC Zeeman potentials and forces for the interferometer will be produced by a novel microwave atom chip, which will also support microwave lattices for translating and positioning ultracold atoms. The project work is divided into four milestone tasks: 1) The development and characterization of a proof-of-principle trapped atom interferometer that works for Bose-Einstein condensates, ultracold thermal bosons, and eventually degenerate fermions, 2) the development and characterization of a proof-of-principle AC Zeeman microwave trap, 3) the micro-fabrication of a dedicated microwave atom chip, and 4) the development of a second generation atom interferometer based on a microwave chip trap and an assessment of its gravimetric performance. The scientific impact of this project is to develop AC Zeeman traps, microwave lattices, and microwave atoms chips as new tools for precision quantum control and spin-dependent interferometry of atoms.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2019
- Source ID
- HDTRA11910027
Entities
People
- S. Aubin
Organizations
- College of William & Mary
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency