Heidelberg 2015 – wissenschaftliches Programm

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Q: Fachverband Quantenoptik und Photonik

Q 62: Poster: Quantum Optics and Photonics III

Q 62.43: Poster

Donnerstag, 26. März 2015, 17:00–19:00, C/Foyer

Compact and stable laser systems for atom interferometry with ⁴¹K in microgravity — •Aline Dinkelaker¹, Max Schiemangk^1,2, Kai Lampmann³, and Achim Peters^1,2 for the QUANTUS collaboration — ¹Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin — ²Ferdinand-Braun-Institut, Leibniz-Institut für Höchstfrequenztechnik, Berlin — ³Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz

In the recent past, atom interferometry emerged as a promising tool for precision metrology and tests of fundamental physics. We aim to utilise this tool for tests of Einstein’s equivalence principle in microgravity using atoms as test masses. Experiments in microgravity with ⁸⁷Rb atoms have been successfully performed in drop tower experiments as part of the QUANTUS project. The next generation drop tower experiment is designed for dual species atom interferometry with ⁸⁷Rb and ⁴¹K, for which an additional laser system is necessary. As for the existing Rubidium setup it must be compact and robust in order to fulfil the tight spatial constraints and to withstand the strong acceleration in the drop tower. Additionally, the small hyperfine structure of ⁴¹K complicates the optical cooling scheme. These challenges are met by including custom made hybrid integrated master-oscillator power amplifiers in combination with a careful design of the optical components and the overall layout. This will provide a further step towards tests of the equivalence principle using atom interferometry.

This project is supported by the German Space Agency DLR with funds provided by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy under grant number DLR 50WM1131-1137.