Search for monopole-dipole interactions with atom interferometry

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel atom interferometry method to detect long-range monopole-dipole interactions mediated by weakly coupled particles like axions, aiming to improve current experimental limits.

Contribution

The paper introduces a new atom interferometry technique specifically designed to detect monopole-dipole forces over long distances, enhancing sensitivity beyond existing methods.

Findings

Potential to extend force detection limits by an order of magnitude.

Method is well-suited for forces with ranges greater than 10 cm.

Utilizes atom's free fall and magnetic response to reduce systematic errors.

Abstract

Light, weakly coupled bosonic particles such as axions can mediate long range monopole-dipole interactions between matter and spins. We propose a new experimental method using atom interferometry to detect such a force on a freely falling atom exerted by the spin of electrons. The intrinsic advantages of atom interferometry, such as the freely falling nature of the atom and the well-defined response of the atom to external magnetic fields, should enable the proposed method to overcome systematic effects induced by vibrations, magnetic fields, and gravity. This approach is most suited to probe forces with a range $\gtrsim$~10~cm. With current technology, our proposed setup could potentially extend probes of such forces by an order of magnitude beyond present laboratory limits.