Ultra-accurate studies of time, quantum phenomena, and atomic physics using an isolated, laser cooled single ion system

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The proposed research program uses a unique national experimental facility where measurements of fundamental physical phenomena, atomic structure, quantum phenomena are perfomed at the limits of current physical measurement and form the potential basis for the next generation realization of atomic based time and frequency. The focus for the studies are centered on the use of a single, trapped and isolated atomic ion which is slowed down in its motion using laser radiation and probed using an laser source having Hz level linewidths at operating frequencies of 445 THz. The system forms the heart of an optical atomic clock which has the potential to outperform the best current realizations of the SI second using the Cs atomic clock transition. Experiments are proposed which investigate the distortion of time by earth's gravity field and can sense these changes by metre level displacements of the clock system. The experiment will also be used in sensitive measurements to see if some of the fundamental constants in nature have truly fixed values or vary with time.