Quantum Information for Precision Measurements
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Birmingham
Department Name: School of Physics and Astronomy
Abstract
This project is about developing quantum information tools for precision measurements. It is based on a novel idea, which we developed together with our collaborators at Nottingham University. The central aspect is to use laser induced interactions to create entanglement in a controlled and relatively simple way. If successful it might bring radical simplifications to quantum information and metrology with ultracold atoms. Entanglement enhanced metrology is a rapidly growing field of research which owes its high impact to the prospect of beating current limits in precision measurement with implications ranging from fundamental tests to industrial applications. However, despite some prominent proof-of-principle experiments, classical schemes are still prevailing when it comes to the most precise measurement of given quantity. A particular aspect of this project will thus be the assessment of the suitability of the developed entanglement scheme for a real enhancement of precision.
A close collaboration with NPL will add world leading expertise in metrology research and put the project into direct industrial context with regards to metrology applications. In particular this collaboration will also open new perspectives for my development with regards to the strategic plans of the University.
In addition to the precision measurement application, the use of low-lying electronic states drastically limits the number of radiative decay channels opening an entire field of exciting opportunities to study dissipation-mediated entanglement. The prospect of robust entanglement as a resource not only for metrology, but also for quantum computation opens significant research and career opportunities beyond the duration of the grant.
A close collaboration with NPL will add world leading expertise in metrology research and put the project into direct industrial context with regards to metrology applications. In particular this collaboration will also open new perspectives for my development with regards to the strategic plans of the University.
In addition to the precision measurement application, the use of low-lying electronic states drastically limits the number of radiative decay channels opening an entire field of exciting opportunities to study dissipation-mediated entanglement. The prospect of robust entanglement as a resource not only for metrology, but also for quantum computation opens significant research and career opportunities beyond the duration of the grant.
Planned Impact
The direct beneficiaries of this fundamental research project are the metrology and academic communities in the domains of precision measurements and quantum information. However, as precision metrology services are at the foundations of industrial production and many commercial products, there is also a medium-long term impact on the economy. This impact is highlighted by our collaboration partner NPL, which provides both a real-world test and a pathway to industry for the project.
The primary topic of the project is entanglement enhanced frequency metrology. The economic and societal impact of potentially resulting better time standards could be huge, as demonstrated by the technical advances linked to improved timekeeping. These include satellite navigation, network timing for high-speed broadband communication and synchronization of energy grids.
Secondary economic impacts might arise in the long term in quantum computation, where a good resource of entanglement promises to push progress.
The primary topic of the project is entanglement enhanced frequency metrology. The economic and societal impact of potentially resulting better time standards could be huge, as demonstrated by the technical advances linked to improved timekeeping. These include satellite navigation, network timing for high-speed broadband communication and synchronization of energy grids.
Secondary economic impacts might arise in the long term in quantum computation, where a good resource of entanglement promises to push progress.
People |
ORCID iD |
Kai Bongs (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Godun RM
(2014)
Frequency ratio of two optical clock transitions in 171Yb+ and constraints on the time variation of fundamental constants.
in Physical review letters
Hughes J
(2014)
Addressing the 2.6 µm 3P0 - 3D1 transition in neutral strontium
Johnson Steven
(2013)
Narrow linewidth lasers for use with neutral strontium as a frequency standard
Kock Bjorn Ole
(2013)
Magneto-optical trapping of strontium for use as a mobile frequency reference
Kock O
(2016)
Laser controlled atom source for optical clocks.
in Scientific reports
Olmos B
(2013)
Long-range interacting many-body systems with alkaline-earth-metal atoms.
in Physical review letters
Swierad D
(2014)
Towards Strontium Optical Lattice Clocks
Swierad D
(2013)
Optical Atomic Clock
Swierad D
(2013)
Scattering length propagator
Swierad D
(2014)
Towards Strontium Optical Lattice Clocks
Description | We have found a new, laser-controlled way of creating a strontium atom source for an optical clock, which does remove the current black-body radiation limitations. |
Exploitation Route | The Sr source developed promises a major step in making Sr clock technology robust for commercial applications and we are taking this forward within the UK National Quantum Technology Hub in Sensors and Metrology. We are in the process of finishing a PhD project on further source developments, contributing to skills development for the future quantum technology workforce and we anticipate more results on making the source a versatile tool for QT devices. |
Sectors | Aerospace Defence and Marine Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software) Education Energy Transport |
Description | The results form this projects have created interest in industry on how to use entanglement to create better clocks. This has not yet resulted in joint projects, but we are in discussion about them. |
First Year Of Impact | 2016 |
Sector | Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Education |
Impact Types | Policy & public services |
Description | NPL |
Organisation | National Physical Laboratory |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | - |
Collaborator Contribution | - |
Impact | Built a single tunable cavity to stablise 5 different laser wavelengths. This will be used to transfer the frequency stability of the clock laser to the other lasers in the experiment (679 nm repumper, 922 nm (frequency doubled to 461 nm) blue MOT, 689 nm red MOT, 813 nm lattice, 698 nm clock). Loaded a red MOT with 107 88Sr atoms at 1 µK. Loaded a 813 nm 'magic wavelength' lattice with 3x105 88Sr atoms. Built up the capability to do 87Sr clock measurements in parallel to the 88Sr system. Switching between the two isotopes simply requires the flip of a switch to select the correct AOM to shift the 689 nm red MOT laser between the different frequencies required by the two isotopes. Assembled an ECDL for a 2600 nm DFB diode laser to excite atoms along the 3P0 - 3D1 transition and measure the lifetime of the 3D1 state. A lifetime measurement with an accuracy below 5 ns will lead to a calculation of the polarisability of the clock transition and a reduction in the BBR shift uncertainty in neutral Sr lattice clocks. |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | British Science Festival, Birmingham |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Raised interest in the public about cold atoms research Interesting discussion with individuals about our research |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | Presentation at Universitet I Oslo |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Participants in your research and patient groups |
Results and Impact | Talk about Space Optical Clocks and how they work/what they do Started discussion about atomic clocks within the group |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | QTEA Training Camp, Nottingham |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Participants in your research and patient groups |
Results and Impact | Talks widened the knowledge of participants in the field of atomic optical clocks Talk started discussions about the field |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | Science and Art Festival in Torun |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Workshop encouraged exciting discussion afterwards about how clocks work Raised awareness of science for general audience. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
URL | http://www.festiwal.torun.pl |
Description | Stand at Highlights der Physik in Saarbruecken |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Stand sparked questions and discussion with several people of the general public and raised awareness of impact of current cold atoms research. Raised awareness and interest from general public in physics research. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
URL | http://www.physik-highlights.de |
Description | Stand at TEC66, Hastings |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Participants in your research and patient groups |
Results and Impact | Showcased cold atoms work to the vacuum community Fruitful discussions about future collaborations with companies. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
URL | http://www.tec66.co.uk |
Description | Visit in Primary School number 35 in Torun |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Raised awareness for cold atom research amongst school children. More children might be interested in pursuing a career in research |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | Wolverhampton Girls' High School |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Spread the career path of doing a PhD/studying in physics Raised interest with students about physics |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |