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Ultracold atom interferometry in space

Author

Listed:
  • Maike D. Lachmann

    (Leibniz University Hannover)

  • Holger Ahlers

    (Leibniz University Hannover)

  • Dennis Becker

    (Leibniz University Hannover)

  • Aline N. Dinkelaker

    (Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
    Leibniz-Institut für Astrophysik Potsdam)

  • Jens Grosse

    (University of Bremen
    German Aerospace Center (DLR))

  • Ortwin Hellmig

    (University Hamburg)

  • Hauke Müntinga

    (University of Bremen
    German Aerospace Center (DLR))

  • Vladimir Schkolnik

    (Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin)

  • Stephan T. Seidel

    (Leibniz University Hannover
    Airbus Defense and Space GmbH)

  • Thijs Wendrich

    (Leibniz University Hannover)

  • André Wenzlawski

    (Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU))

  • Benjamin Carrick

    (German Aerospace Center (DLR)
    MORABA, German Aerospace Center (DLR))

  • Naceur Gaaloul

    (Leibniz University Hannover)

  • Daniel Lüdtke

    (German Aerospace Center (DLR))

  • Claus Braxmaier

    (University of Bremen
    German Aerospace Center (DLR))

  • Wolfgang Ertmer

    (Leibniz University Hannover)

  • Markus Krutzik

    (Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin)

  • Claus Lämmerzahl

    (University of Bremen)

  • Achim Peters

    (Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin)

  • Wolfgang P. Schleich

    (Institut für Quantenphysik and Center for Integrated Quantum Science and Technology (IQST)
    German Aerospace Center (DLR)
    Texas A&M University)

  • Klaus Sengstock

    (University Hamburg)

  • Andreas Wicht

    (Leibniz-Institut für Höchstfrequenztechnik)

  • Patrick Windpassinger

    (Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU))

  • Ernst M. Rasel

    (Leibniz University Hannover)

Abstract

Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) in free fall constitute a promising source for space-borne interferometry. Indeed, BECs enjoy a slowly expanding wave function, display a large spatial coherence and can be engineered and probed by optical techniques. Here we explore matter-wave fringes of multiple spinor components of a BEC released in free fall employing light-pulses to drive Bragg processes and induce phase imprinting on a sounding rocket. The prevailing microgravity played a crucial role in the observation of these interferences which not only reveal the spatial coherence of the condensates but also allow us to measure differential forces. Our work marks the beginning of matter-wave interferometry in space with future applications in fundamental physics, navigation and earth observation.

Suggested Citation

  • Maike D. Lachmann & Holger Ahlers & Dennis Becker & Aline N. Dinkelaker & Jens Grosse & Ortwin Hellmig & Hauke Müntinga & Vladimir Schkolnik & Stephan T. Seidel & Thijs Wendrich & André Wenzlawski & B, 2021. "Ultracold atom interferometry in space," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-6, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:12:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-021-21628-z
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21628-z
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    Cited by:

    1. Jason R. Williams & Charles A. Sackett & Holger Ahlers & David C. Aveline & Patrick Boegel & Sofia Botsi & Eric Charron & Ethan R. Elliott & Naceur Gaaloul & Enno Giese & Waldemar Herr & James R. Kell, 2024. "Pathfinder experiments with atom interferometry in the Cold Atom Lab onboard the International Space Station," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-11, December.

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