Two clock transitions in neutral Yb for the highest sensitivity to variations of fundamental constants

ORAL

Abstract

We propose a new frequency standard based on a $4f^{14} 6s6p~ ^3\!P_0 - 4f^{13} 6s^2 5d ~(J=2)$ transition in neutral Yb. This transition has a potential for high stability and accuracy and the advantage of the highest sensitivity among atomic clocks to variation of the fine-structure constant $\alpha$. We find its dimensionless $\alpha$-variation enhancement factor to be $K=-15$, in comparison to the most sensitive current clock (Yb$^+$ E3, $K=-6$), and it is 18 times larger than in any neutral-atomic clocks (Hg, $K=0.8$). Combined with the unprecedented stability of an optical lattice clock for neutral atoms, this high sensitivity opens new perspectives for searches for ultralight dark matter and for tests of theories beyond the standard model of elementary particles. Moreover, together with the well-established $^1\!S_0 -\, ^3\!P_0$ transition one will have two clock transitions operating in neutral Yb, whose interleaved interrogations may further reduce systematic uncertainties of such clock-comparison experiments.

Authors

  • Marianna Safronova

    University of Delaware, Univ. of Delaware, Joint Quantum Institute, NIST, Univ. of Maryland

  • Sergey Porsev

    University of Delaware, University of New South Wales; Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute

  • Christian Sanner

    JILA, NIST and University of Colorado, Boulder, JILA, JILA Univ of Colorado - Boulder

  • Jun Ye

    JILA, National Institute of Standards and Technology and University of Colorado, Univ of Colorado - Boulder, JILA, NIST and University of Colorado, Boulder, JILA