Spin squeezing in optical lattice clocks via lattice-based QND measurements

• Applicant: Dr. Dominic Meiser
• Subject Area: Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas
• Term: from 2008 to 2011
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 68543531

Optical atomic clocks based on neutral atoms confined in optical lattices have made tremendous progress over the last few years and are now competitive with the highest precision clocks. Further progress of the clock precision is hampered by an intrinsic noise source, the atomic projection noise. Recently we have proposed a quantum non-demolition measurement scheme that can be used to reduce the projection noise by squeezing the atomic population distribution. Estimates based on mean field calculations have shown that this scheme is capable of squeezing the atomic population distribution below the standard quantum limit. In the research project proposed here I plan to study this scheme in more detail, compare it against other existing schemes and assist the clock experiment at JILA with the implementation. I will also explore other exciting prospects within the general context of quantum optics and precision metrology, such as cavity QED, optical lattice dynamics, and coherent atom-photon information exchange.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professor Dr. Murray J. Holland