Advances in precision contrast interferometry with Yb Bose-Einstein condensates

TL;DR

This paper reports the development of a novel matter-wave interferometer using ytterbium atoms, demonstrating immunity to vibrations and control over systematic effects, paving the way for ultra-precise measurements of fundamental constants.

Contribution

First implementation of a Yb-based matter-wave contrast interferometer with advances in systematic control for high-precision measurements.

Findings

Demonstrated immunity to vibrations for long interaction times.

Controlled diffraction phases and atomic interactions.

Outlined prospects for sub-part per billion photon recoil measurement.

Abstract

Using a three-path contrast interferometer (CI) geometry and laser-pulse diffraction gratings, we create the first matter-wave interferometer with ytterbium (Yb) atoms. We present advances in contrast interferometry relevant to high-precision measurements. By comparing to a traditional atom interferometer, we demonstrate the immunity of the CI to vibrations for long interaction times (> 20 ms). We characterize and demonstrate control over the two largest systematic effects for a high-precision measurement of the fine structure constant via photon recoil with our interferometer: diffraction phases and atomic interactions. Diffraction phases are an important systematic for most interferometers using large-momentum transfer beam splitters; atomic interactions are a key concern for any BEC interferometer. Finally, we consider the prospects for a future sub-part per billion photon recoil measurement using a Yb CI.