Collective atom-light interaction and spin-squeezing mediated by an optical cavity

Abstract

Today's most accurate inertial sensors are based on atomic interferometry. The objective of this project is to study, theoretically and experimentally, schemes of collective interaction between cold atoms and light in optical cavities in view of creating non-trivial collective spin states. We will investigate the potential of weakly entangled spin-squeezed states for improved quantum sensing of weak forces or force variations with sensitivity beyond the standard quantum limit in the context of matter wave gravimetry. The study will accompany the experimental development of a prototype gravitational sensor based on atomic interferometry using ultracold strontium atoms coherently interacting with the counter-propagating modes of a laser-pumped optical ring cavity.The Institute of Physics of São Carlos combines technical knowledge in the construction of high finesse ring cavities with know-how in cooling and trapping the atomic species of strontium, which presents particularly favorable properties for applications in atomic interferometry.