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Q: Fachverband Quantenoptik und Photonik

Q 29: Poster I

Q 29.5: Poster

Dienstag, 3. März 2009, 16:30–19:00, VMP 8 Foyer

Towards a quantum test of the equivalence principle with atom interferometry — Maic Zaiser, •Ullrich Velte, Christina Rode, Jonas Hartwig, and Ernst M. Rasel — Institut für Quantenoptik, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Welfengarten 1, 30167 Hannover

The differential measurement of the earth’s acceleration g with atom interferometric techniques using two different atomic species allows for interesting perspectives in the quest of testing the equivalence principle, a fundamental postulate within general relativity. We present a new experiment aiming for such a test, using a (quantum degenerate) mixture of Rubidium and Potassium. Besides a competitive test of the equivalence principle, the experiment also allows for systematic studies concerning the comparison of interferometry with bosonic or fermionic matter and the metrological comparison of two different gravimeters at the same place and in the same experimental environment. The basis of the experiment will be an experiment aiming at a BEC of ⁸⁷Rb and a quantum degenerate Fermi gas of ⁴⁰K by all-optical means. We will show the present status of the experiment comprising the characterization of the 2D/3D MOT as the atomic source, the implementation of optical molasses to reach very low temperatures and high initial phase space densities, and first loading studies of the optical dipole trap formed by a Thulium fiber laser with 50 W output power at 1960 nm. Besides, we will introduce our new compact diode laser system for the implementation of the light for the operation of the atomic source, as well as for the realization of the Raman transitions.