New Applications for Atom Interferometry with Material Nano-Gratings

University Of Arizona, Tucson AZ

Investigators

Abstract

Nano-gratings and atom interferometry will be used to measure static dipole polarizabilities and van der Waals C3 coefficients for 15 species of atoms and molecules. The polarizability measurements will be used to test atomic structure calculations and to improve the accuracy of atomic clocks. The C3 measurements will test calculations of atom-surface interactions that include core electrons and realistic descriptions of surfaces. The broader impacts of this work include a new course in atomic physics, support for student machine shop work, and training several new students to become leaders in basic and applied research. This research will foster collaborations with industry on optics, nanotechnology, and solar energy utilization.