Quantum Coherence with Holmium Atoms: Magic Traps, Clocks, and Entanglement

这项研究项目将研究Ho原子的性质。Ho原子是所有元素中最复杂的内部结构之一，因此可能对几项新技术有价值。这个研究小组将探索如何利用Ho的复杂结构来开发原子计时和量子存储的新方法。第一个应用很重要，因为原子钟是最准确的时间和频率标准，它们为全球定位系统(GPS)等技术提供了基础。第二个应用很重要，因为它可以帮助实现量子通信网络。使用激光和电磁场的实验方法将被开发来冷却和捕获Ho原子，在不同的内态下制备它们，并测量Ho原子之间的相互作用。这将使研究小组能够更精确地测量Ho原子的碰撞性质，以及在Ho原子能级之间的各种跃迁对磁场的敏感性。该项目还将对科学家进行现代原子物理技术培训，并为学生在学术界和工业界的职业生涯做好准备。这项研究的结果将通过物理部门的开放参观、对当地学校的访问以及为当地高中生提供实习机会，向威斯康星州麦迪逊地区的当地公众传播。稀土元素Ho(Ho)具有128维的基态流形，是所有稳定原子同位素中最大的。实验将使用Ho原子的磁光陷阱。利用射频场和微波场的光学控制技术将被开发来制备128维地面流形中的特定塞曼子态。将用于光学时钟转换的一对状态将被磁捕获，该配置使得状态的能量差对磁场噪声不敏感。将使用带有载流导线的光刻定义的芯片结构来创建磁陷阱阵列。里德伯格态将使用双光子激发来探测，并将研究创造远程原子相互作用的穿戴技术。这些技术有可能产生纠缠的许多体态，以提高时钟转换的精度。

This research project will study the properties of holmium atoms. The holmium atom has one of the most complex internal structures of any element, and therefore could be valuable for several new technologies. This research team will explore how holmium's complex structure can be used to develop new methods for atomic timekeeping and for quantum memory. The first application is important because atomic clocks are the most accurate time and frequency standards, and they provide the basis for technologies such as the Global Positioning System (GPS). The second application is important because it could help enable quantum communication networks. Experimental methods using lasers and electromagnetic fields will be developed to cool and trap holmium atoms, to prepare them in different internal states, and to measure interactions between holmium atoms. This will enable the research team to make more precise measurements of holmium atoms' collisional properties and the sensitivity to magnetic fields for various transitions between holmium atomic energy levels. This project will also train scientists in modern techniques of atomic physics and prepare students for careers in academia and industry. The results of this research will be disseminated to the local public in the Madison, Wisconsin, area through open houses in the Physics dDpartment, through visits to local schools, and by providing internships for local high school students. The rare earth element Holmium (Ho) has a 128-dimensional ground state manifold, the largest of any stable atomic isotope. Experiments will use a Magneto-Optical Trap of Ho atoms. Optical control techniques using rf and microwave fields will be developed to prepare specific Zeeman substates in the 128-dimensional ground manifold. A pair of states to be used for an optical clock transition will be magnetically trapped in a configuration that makes the energy difference of the states insensitive to magnetic field noise. An array of magnetic traps will be created using lithographically defined chip structures with current carrying wires. Rydberg states will be probed using two-photon excitation, and dressing techniques for creating long range atomic interactions will be studied. These techniques have the potential to create entangled many body states for improved precision of the clock transition.