Hannover 2016 – wissenschaftliches Programm

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A: Fachverband Atomphysik

A 36: Ultra-cold atoms, ions and BEC IV (with Q)

A 36.6: Vortrag

Donnerstag, 3. März 2016, 15:45–16:00, f303

Radio-frequency dressed detection of atomic clock states — •Sindhu Jammi, Tadas Pyragius, Mark Bason, and Thomas Fernholz — School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nottingham

We introduce a new method to dispersively measure population and population difference of alkali atoms prepared in their two clock states (m=0). Linear birefringence of the atomic medium allows atom number detection via polarisation homodyning, i.e. common path interferometry. In order to achieve low technical noise levels, we perform sideband detection after adiabatically transforming the atomic states via radio-frequency dressing. The balanced homodyne signal then oscillates at twice the dressing frequency, independent of field fluctuations, thus allowing for robust, phase-locked detection that circumvents low-frequency noise. Using probe pulses of two optical frequencies consecutively, we can detect both atomic states separately and obtain population difference as well as total atom number in a single experimental cycle. Simultaneously pulsed detection can be used for direct subtraction of the homodyne signals, which we expect to enable quantum noise limited measurements and preparation of spin squeezed states. The method can thus be used in atomic clocks and atom interferometric measurements.