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Coherent laser spectroscopy of highly charged ions using quantum logic
P Micke1,2, T Leopold3, S A King3
1Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Braunschweig, Germany. Peter.Micke@quantummetrology.de.
Nature
|January 31, 2020
Summary
Researchers achieved unprecedented precision in studying highly charged argon ions using quantum logic spectroscopy. This breakthrough advances atomic clocks and tests of fundamental physics, including searches for dark matter.
Area of Science:
- Atomic Physics
- Quantum Information
- Fundamental Symmetries
Background:
- Precision spectroscopy is crucial for fundamental physics research.
- Highly charged ions offer unique properties for advanced applications but have faced precision limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To overcome limitations in spectroscopic accuracy for highly charged ions.
- To explore the potential of highly charged ions for fundamental physics tests and quantum technologies.
Main Methods:
- Cooling trapped highly charged argon ions to record low temperatures.
- Employing quantum logic spectroscopy to probe a forbidden optical transition in 40Ar13+.
Main Results:
- Achieved an eight-orders-of-magnitude increase in spectroscopic precision.
- Measured the excited-state lifetime and g-factor of 40Ar13+ with high accuracy.
Conclusions:
- This work demonstrates the potential of highly charged ions for quantum information processing and frequency standards.
- Enhanced precision enables sensitive tests of fundamental physics, including searches for dark matter and symmetry violations.
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