Probing fundamental physics with atoms and molecules

by Yair Margalit

Mit

at Physics Colloquium

Mon, 16 Nov 2020, 16:00
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88064916693

Abstract

Atoms have proven to be a powerful tool for probing fundamental physics, from measuring the fine structure constant to testing Einstein’s equivalence principle. Recently, molecules have been used to extend the range of possible experiments, allowing to put bounds on the electron’s electric dipole moment, or probe the limits of quantum superpositions.

In my talk, I will first present our efforts towards observing Pauli blocking of light scattering in a gas of ultracold degenerate fermions. Such a measurement requires achieving a record density of a trapped ultracold Fermi gas, which we have recently demonstrated. I will then discuss the Stern-Gerlach interferometer, which we used to perform clock interferometry. Finally, I will discuss proposals for extending the use of the Stern-Gerlach interferometer into the nano-particle regime, as a platform for exotic experiments such as detecting gravitational waves or testing the quantum nature of gravity.

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88064916693

Created on 11-11-2020 by Kats, Yevgeny (katsye)
Updaded on 11-11-2020 by Kats, Yevgeny (katsye)