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Q: Fachverband Quantenoptik und Photonik

Q 15: Optomechanics

Q 15.4: Vortrag

Dienstag, 12. März 2024, 12:00–12:15, HS 1015

Testing Spontaneous Collapse Models with Levitated Naphthalene — •Marit O. E. Steiner, Julen S. Pedernales, and Martin B. Plenio — Institute of Theoretical Physics, Ulm University

Spontaneous collapse models aim to address the quantum-to-classical transition and the measurement problem through non-linear, stochastic modifications of the Schrödinger equation. A promising route to test the existence of these modifications is through matter-wave interference experiments of increasing mass and coherence length. In particular, the nascent field of levitated optomechanics, promises the ability to perform matter-wave interference at unprecedented scales.

In my presentation, I will advocate for an unconventional material in levitated optomechanics: pentacene-doped naphthalene. Leveraging photo-excited triplet states in pentacene, it is possible to achieve remarkable nuclear spin hyperpolarization, up to 80% polarization rates with relaxation times of T1=800 hours. These properties make it an ideal candidate for matter-wave interferometry. Stronger spin-dependent forces allow shorter interference times, reducing susceptibility to various noise sources. Additionally, the homogeneous spin distribution mitigates unwanted rotations in nanoparticles, an expected challenge in experiments with fewer spins.

I will introduce a novel experimental protocol leveraging these properties, as well as discuss the intricacies of the protocol and showcase its ability to impose bounds on the free parameters of the Continuous Spontaneous Localization model compared to existing methodologies.

Keywords: collapse model; levitation; matter-wave interferometry; nanoparticles; hyperpolarisation