Microwave and RF potentials for atom trapping and precision interferometry

POSTER

Abstract

We present plans and progress towards the development of microwave and RF (u/RF) potentials using atom chip technology for interferometry and novel trapping of ultracold potassium atoms. These potentials are inherently conservative, spin-dependent, and allow tunable atom-atom interactions via magnetic Feshbach resonances. They can be used for interferometry of trapped ultracold thermal and quantum gases, atomtronic and quantum pumping ``circuits,'' and sympathetic-adiabatic cooling. We give theoretical overviews of u/RF potentials and interferometers with specific application to Casimir-Polder force measurements. The small hyperfine splitting of potassium isotopes simplifies the engineering of u/RF potentials, while also providing bosonic and fermionic species. We focus on the use of fermion isotopes for high accuracy interferometric and atomic clock applications.

*Work supported by the College of William and Mary, Jeffress Memorial Trust, and Virginia Space Grant Consortium.

Authors

  • Jim Field

    • College of William and Mary
  • Austin Ziltz

    • College of William and Mary
  • Megan Ivory

    • Department of Physics, College of William \& Mary, Williamsburg, VA 23187, USA
    • College of William and Mary
  • Seth Aubin

    • Department of Physics, College of William \& Mary, Williamsburg, VA 23187, USA
    • College of William and Mary