Atom Optics and Interferometry with Cold Atoms

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology, Cambridge MA

Investigators

Abstract

This experimental research program is aimed at efforts in atom optics and interferometry experiments using cold atoms. The primary emphasis will be the development of atom interferometers with confined atoms, e.g. atoms confined in waveguides or trapping potentials between the beamsplitters. The secondary focus of the group will be a precision experiment using a novel atom interferometer with unconfined atoms to measure the fine structure constant at the parts per billion level. This will be used to measure h/m, which will be combined with the group's recent atomic mass measurements to determine the molar Planck constant. This can be combined with other recent mass measurements (plus the Rydberg constant) to yield a measurement of the fine structure constant alpha. The broader impact of the program is in education of the graduates students as well as efforts at on the development of a web based tutorial system for physics.