Quantum mechanics tells us that atoms are waves. As such, it is possible to make them interfere in a manner similar to the interference of light in a Michelson-Morley interferometer or in a Young’s double slit experiment. Optical interferometers have been used to measure a great many things with very high precision. This high precision is due to the very short wavelength of light. Atom waves can have much smaller wavelengths, and should be able to outperform optical interferometers in many applications. Also, since atoms have properties such as rest mass, a magnetic moment, etc., it is possible to measure some things with atom interferometers which can’t be done with an optical interferometer. Some things we want to do with our interferometer are to demonstrate high-precision inertial force sensing and to measure whether the fundamental constants in physics are slowly changing in time.

Skills and Experience Required

Most of what you need to know you will learn on the job. Some things that are helpful to know include optics (what you learn in Physics 123 is a good start), electronics, the basics of machining, and quantum mechanics, but my most successful students tend to be the ones who begin early rather than waiting until they have taken advanced physics courses.

Contact Details

If you have questions or are interested in pursuing this research project, contact Dallin Durfee for more information.