Optical clocks for tests of fundamental physics
ORAL · Invited
Abstract
Optical atomic clocks are the most precise measurement instruments to date, allowing us to test the fundamental assumptions of modern physics. In this context, we report on several optical frequency comparisons. An optical clock based on a single Yb+ ion has been operated with high availability, probing an electric octupole (E3) transition, which is highly sensitive to variations of the fine-structure constant α, and an electric quadrupole (E2) transition. The data improves limits on α-variations and is analysed for oscillatory signatures from ultralight dark matter (UDM). Limits on a scalar UDM coupling to photons are improved by more than an order of magnitude over a wide mass range.
A new apparatus enables the realization of a multi-ion Sr+ clock with up to 10 ions and a fractional systematic uncertainty of 5.3×10-19. Comparing to the single-ion Yb+ E3 clock yields the unperturbed frequency ratio with a fractional uncertainty of 2.9×10-18. Measurements with multiple Sr+ ions agree with single-ion results while providing improved instability, establishing multi-ion clocks as a robust platform for tests of fundamental physics.
*Work performed at PTB under the supervision of Ekkehard Peik
A new apparatus enables the realization of a multi-ion Sr+ clock with up to 10 ions and a fractional systematic uncertainty of 5.3×10-19. Comparing to the single-ion Yb+ E3 clock yields the unperturbed frequency ratio with a fractional uncertainty of 2.9×10-18. Measurements with multiple Sr+ ions agree with single-ion results while providing improved instability, establishing multi-ion clocks as a robust platform for tests of fundamental physics.
*Work performed at PTB under the supervision of Ekkehard Peik
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Presenters
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Melina Filzinger
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt