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Apparatus for quantum-mixture research in microgravity
Baptist Piest1,2, Jonas Böhm3, Timothé Estrampes3,4
1Institut für Quantenoptik, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Hannover, Germany. baptist.piest@obspm.fr.
Nature Communications
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Scientists created ultracold quantum gas mixtures of potassium-41 (41K) and rubidium-87 (87Rb) on a sounding rocket. This research advances quantum technology and fundamental physics experiments in space.
Area of Science:
- Quantum physics
- Atomic physics
- Astrophysics
Background:
- Ultracold quantum gases are crucial for quantum technology and fundamental physics.
- Generating Bose-Einstein condensate mixtures presents significant experimental challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report high-flux generation of Bose-Einstein condensate mixtures of 41K and 87Rb.
- To compare quantum mixture release and expansion on ground versus in free fall.
- To investigate the influence of interactions and magnetic fields on release dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a fully integrated sounding rocket setup for ultracold quantum gas generation.
- Conducted experiments on ground and in free fall using an Einstein-Elevator.
- Implemented a dedicated magnetic trap switch-off protocol to minimize field decay.
Main Results:
- Achieved high-flux Bose-Einstein condensate mixtures of 41K and 87Rb.
- Characterized release dynamics influenced by interspecies interactions and magnetic field decay.
- Demonstrated a method to minimize magnetic field effects through a tailored switch-off protocol.
Conclusions:
- Established a new benchmark for generating ultracold mixtures on mobile platforms.
- Results are relevant for future experiments on interacting quantum gases.
- Findings have direct implications for tests of the equivalence principle in space.
