Yb Bose-Einstein condensate Interferometer for h/m and $\alpha$

POSTER

Abstract

We report high-precision results from a matter-wave interferometer using a Yb Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) as a source. This contrast interferometer measures h/m, where h is Planck's constant and m is the mass of an ytterbium atom, which is used to determine the fine structure constant $\alpha$. We will present the techniques and results from our current apparatus, including the highest accuracy measurement to date using a BEC matter-wave interferometer and our progress toward measuring and controlling the effects of atomic interactions. We will also describe a new apparatus, currently under construction, which is designed to yield a sub-part-per-billion measurement of $\alpha$.

*This work is supported by NSF and NIST.

Authors

  • Ben Plotkin-Swing

    • University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195
    • University of Washington

  • Alan Jamison

    • University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195
    • University of Washington
    • University of Washington, Seattle, WA

  • William Dowd

    • University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195
    • University of Washington

  • Anders Hansen

    • University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195
    • University of Washington

  • Alexander Khramov

    • University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195
    • University of Washington

  • Richard Roy

    • University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195
    • University of Washington

  • Subhadeep Gupta

    • University of Washington, Seattle WA 98195
    • University of Washington