Optical clocks based on an ensemble of trapped ions

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The proposed scientific project is based on the memorandum of understanding on cooperation between the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) and the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (RFBR). We ask for support of a scientific exchange between the Institute for Laser Physics - ILP, Novosibirsk (PI: Prof. Sergei Bagayev), and the Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt - PTB (PI: Dr. T.E. Mehlstäubler) for the duration of two years. The Russian partner will submit a separate research proposal to RFBR in parallel. During this scientific exchange and collaboration we will develop experimental and theoretical tools for precision spectroscopy in an extended ensemble of trapped ions. Two aspects will be investigated. In work package 1 we will evaluate a self-built laser system from Novosibirsk for its suitability for high-precision spectroscopy in In+ ions. In work package 2 we will address the question of ultimate limits in accuracy of the multi-ion approach in a mixed-species crystal of In+ and Yb+ ions and develop ideas for a future extension to interrogating the highly-forbidden octupole transition in a pure ensemble of Yb+ ions. The tools developed in this project will pave the way to realize a multi-ion clock based on In+ and Yb+ ions. Our approach can surpass the performance of todays best optical ion clocks. We expect that this will be a major step towards the practicability and application of ion clocks. This will directly affect tests of fundamental physics with optical clocks as well as their application as quantum sensors for relativistic geodesy.