A high-flux BEC source for mobile atom interferometers

作者：Rudolph Jan^*; Herr Waldemar; Grzeschik Christoph; Sternke Tammo; Grote Alexander; Popp Manuel; Becker Dennis; Muentinga Hauke; Ahlers Holger; Peters Achim; Laemmerzahl Claus; Sengstock Klaus; Gaaloul Naceur; Ertmer Wolfgang; Rasel Ernst M

来源：New Journal of Physics, 2015, 17(6): 065001.

DOI：10.1088/1367-2630/17/6/065001

• equivalence principle
• quantum sensors
• Bose-Einstein condensates
• atom interferometry
• microgravity

Quantum sensors based on coherent matter-waves are precise measurement devices whose ultimate accuracy is achieved with Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) in extended free fall. This is ideally realized in microgravity environments such as drop towers, ballistic rockets and space platforms. However, the transition from lab-based BEC machines to robust and mobile sources with comparable performance is a challenging endeavor. Here we report on the realization of a miniaturized setup, generating a flux of 4x10(5) quantum degenerate Rb-87 atoms every 1.6 s. Ensembles of 1 x 10(5) atoms can be produced at a 1 Hz rate. This is achieved by loading a cold atomic beam directly into a multi-layer atom chip that is designed for efficient transfer from laser-cooled to magnetically trapped clouds. The attained flux of degenerate atoms is on par with current lab-based BEC experiments while offering significantly higher repetition rates. Additionally, the flux is approaching those of current interferometers employing Raman-type velocity selection of laser-cooled atoms. The compact and robust design allows for mobile operation in a variety of demanding environments and paves the way for transportable high-precision quantum sensors.

• 出版日期2015-6-1