Measuring motion through relativistic quantum effects

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that relativistic quantum effects in atoms moving through optical cavities can be used to precisely measure small changes in acceleration or alignment by analyzing their transition probabilities.

Contribution

It introduces a method to utilize atomic internal states to detect minute relativistic perturbations in motion or orientation.

Findings

Transition probabilities are highly sensitive to atomic trajectories.

Atomic internal states can serve as precise probes for relativistic effects.

Potential applications in high-precision motion sensing.

Abstract

We show that the relativistic signatures on the transition probability of atoms moving through optical cavities are very sensitive to their spatial trajectory. This allows for the use of internal atomic degrees of freedom to measure small time-dependent perturbations in the proper acceleration of an atomic probe, or in the relative alignment of a beam of atoms and a cavity.