Probing short-range gravity using quantum reflection

TL;DR

This paper explores using quantum reflection of ultra-cold atoms as a sensitive method to detect hypothetical short-range forces beyond the standard model, potentially surpassing current experimental limits.

Contribution

It introduces a simple analytical model for anomalous phase shifts and demonstrates the feasibility of using quantum reflection interferometry to probe new physics at micrometer scales.

Findings

Analytical and numerical models agree on phase predictions.

Atomic interactions influence phase and noise levels.

Technique can potentially improve limits on anomalous forces.

Abstract

Quantum reflection occurs when ultra-cold atoms are incident on a material surface with sufficiently low velocity. The reflecting matter wave can interfere with the incident wave to form a detectable pattern, and this pattern contains information about atom-surface interactions at micrometer scales. We discuss how such an interferometer could be used to probe for anomalous short-range forces that are predicted by some beyond-standard model theories. We compare a simple analytical model for the anomalous phase to numerical solution of both the Schroedinger and Gross-Pitaevskii equations, finding good agreement. With interactions, the phase does depend on the atomic density, which can be a source of noise. We nonetheless predict that under realistic conditions, the reflection technique can reach sensitivities approaching those obtained with macroscopic objects, and significantly improve the limits on anomalous coupling to atoms.