Quantum clock interferometry and violations of the equivalence principle

ORAL

Abstract

Atom interferometers and atomic cocks are both based on the interference of different degrees of freedom: the atom's motion or their internal state. A combination of the two gives rise to quantum clock interferometry. While clocks are naturally susceptible to violations of the gravitational redshift, atom interferometers constitute a sensor for violations of the universality of free fall. However, quantum clock interferometry has been shown to only test the redshift in specific configurations. In our contribution, we explore the origin of a sensitivity to gravitational redshift violations in both interference experiments and characterize their underlying limitations: The action of trapping potential leads to such a sensitivity of atomic clocks. Due to the linear nature of momentum kicks, Bragg-based interferometers on the other hand are insensitive. However, modified light-pulse configurations can mimic such tests. Internal transitions during the interferometer sequence provide an additional lever to generate redshift-sensitive quantum sensors.

*The MIUnD project is funded by the Carl Zeiss Foundation. The QUANTUS and INTENTAS projects are supported by DLR with funds provided by BMWi due to an enactment of the German Bundestag under Grants No. 50WM1956 (QUANTUS V) and No. 50WM2177-2178 (INTENTAS).

Publication: F. Di Pumpo, C. Ufrecht, A. Friedrich, E. Giese, W. P. Schleich, and W. G. Unruh, "Gravitational Redshift Tests with Atomic Clocks and Atom Interferometers," PRX Quantum 2, 040333 (2021)

Presenters

  • Enno Giese

    • Technical University of Darmstadt
    • TU Darmstadt

Authors

  • Enno Giese

    • Technical University of Darmstadt
    • TU Darmstadt
  • Fabio Di Pumpo

    • Univ Ulm
  • Christian Ufrecht

    • Univ Ulm
  • Alexander Friedrich

    • Univ Ulm
    • Ulm University
  • Wolfgang P Schleich

    • Ulm University
    • Univ Ulm
  • William G Unruh

    • University of British Columbia