Optical Clock Arrays for Quantum Metrology
Lead Research Organisation:
Durham University
Department Name: Physics
Abstract
Many aspects of the modern world are underpinned by precise timing and synchronisation, from financial trading and power grids, to satellite navigation. This precise timing is provided by atomic clocks which are currently based on microwave transitions in atoms like caesium. However, atomic clock research is currently undergoing a revolution, as clocks switch from microwave transitions to optical transitions, which has enabled the performance of state-of-the-art clocks to improve by a factor of over one hundred in just ten years.
Ultimately the performance of these clocks will be limited by statistics - the accuracy of measurements is determined by the number of independent trials (much like measuring the probability that a coin is fair by tossing it many times). In practice, the maximum number of atoms that can be used in such a clock is limited. However it has been known for over thirty years that this limit can be broken using a quantum property known as entanglement, where the atoms in the clock are correlated rather than independent.
The big challenge that we address in this proposal is to create the right kind of entanglement in an optical atomic clock for the first time. To do this we will build a new type of optical atomic clock where each atom can be controlled independently. To correlate the atoms, we will exploit state-of-the-art methods based on exciting the atoms to high-energy states known as Rydberg states.
The breakthrough that we target is the first proof-of-principle demonstration of an entanglement-enhanced measurements in an optical atomic clock.
Ultimately the performance of these clocks will be limited by statistics - the accuracy of measurements is determined by the number of independent trials (much like measuring the probability that a coin is fair by tossing it many times). In practice, the maximum number of atoms that can be used in such a clock is limited. However it has been known for over thirty years that this limit can be broken using a quantum property known as entanglement, where the atoms in the clock are correlated rather than independent.
The big challenge that we address in this proposal is to create the right kind of entanglement in an optical atomic clock for the first time. To do this we will build a new type of optical atomic clock where each atom can be controlled independently. To correlate the atoms, we will exploit state-of-the-art methods based on exciting the atoms to high-energy states known as Rydberg states.
The breakthrough that we target is the first proof-of-principle demonstration of an entanglement-enhanced measurements in an optical atomic clock.
Planned Impact
This proposal addresses the challenge of creating squeezed states in an optical atomic clock. The primary impact will be on the time and frequency metrology community and the wider academic community exploring quantum metrology and quantum simulation. However, atomic clocks are a mature quantum technology that underpins a wide range of economic sectors. Within the UK National Quantum Technology Programme and elsewhere there are major efforts to develop optical atomic clocks for applications. Therefore there is potential for wider impact in the following ways:
Short term (2-5years)
Knowledge transfer: The project brings expertise from the quantum simulation community (addressable arrays of single atoms) into the domain of optical atomic clocks, impacting research and development underway in the Quantum technology community on robust optical clocks for applications.
Trained personnel: Two PDRAs will be trained in state-of-the-art methods at the interface of quantum simulators and clocks, providing a resource for the Quantum technology community.
Medium term (5-10 years)
On this timescale, the project opens a route to entanglement enhanced measurements in optical atomic clocks, with the potential to improve measurement precision or speed. This underpinning science will create impact through the provision of the next generation of quantum technologies for atomic clocks.
We also propose to develop our longstanding track record of high quality public engagement and outreach activities.
Short term (2-5years)
Knowledge transfer: The project brings expertise from the quantum simulation community (addressable arrays of single atoms) into the domain of optical atomic clocks, impacting research and development underway in the Quantum technology community on robust optical clocks for applications.
Trained personnel: Two PDRAs will be trained in state-of-the-art methods at the interface of quantum simulators and clocks, providing a resource for the Quantum technology community.
Medium term (5-10 years)
On this timescale, the project opens a route to entanglement enhanced measurements in optical atomic clocks, with the potential to improve measurement precision or speed. This underpinning science will create impact through the provision of the next generation of quantum technologies for atomic clocks.
We also propose to develop our longstanding track record of high quality public engagement and outreach activities.
Organisations
Publications
Robertson E
(2021)
ARC 3.0: An expanded Python toolbox for atomic physics calculations
in Computer Physics Communications
Adams C
(2020)
Rydberg atom quantum technologies
in Journal of Physics B: Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
Bounds A
(2019)
Coulomb anti-blockade in a Rydberg gas
in New Journal of Physics
Bai Z
(2020)
Self-Induced Transparency in Warm and Strongly Interacting Rydberg Gases.
in Physical review letters
Ogden T
(2019)
Quasisimultons in Thermal Atomic Vapors
in Physical Review Letters
Jones M
(2020)
Probing new physics using Rydberg states of atomic hydrogen
in Physical Review Research
Benhemou A
(2023)
Universality of Z 3 parafermions via edge-mode interaction and quantum simulation of topological space evolution with Rydberg atoms
in Physical Review Research
Jackson N
(2020)
Number-resolved imaging of $^{88}$Sr atoms in a long working distance optical tweezer
in SciPost Physics
Description | 1. We have trapped individual strontium atoms in a beam of light called an optical tweezer. In fact we can even count whether there are 0,1 or 2 atoms in the tweezer. Strontium atoms are being used for a range of quantum technologies like ultraprecise clocks and quantum simulators. 2. We have developed an upgraded software package that allows other researchers to calculate the interactions between atoms with two electrons, like strontium. This will open up new perspectives for experimentalists and theorists working in this area, who can now design new experiments that make use of this effect. 3. We can trap strontium atoms in arbitrary 2D arrays of optical tweezers, which are ready for use as a new type of atomic clock. |
Exploitation Route | These results can be taken forward by other researchers in the quantum technology field. |
Sectors | Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software) |
URL | https://www.dur.ac.uk/qlm/research/rydbergsystems/ |
Description | Our research on optical atomic clocks was linked to an artwork (Chronos) at the Lumiere festival held in Durham 18-21 November 2021 Our research on entangling strontium atoms in tweezers has also been linked to work on neutral atom quantum computing at the National Quantum Computing Centre through attendance at a workhop on 27/02/2023. |
First Year Of Impact | 2021 |
Sector | Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Leisure Activities, including Sports, Recreation and Tourism |
Impact Types | Cultural Policy & public services |
Description | (USOQS) Ultra-stable optical oscillators from quantum coherent and entangled systems |
Amount | € 1,500,000 (EUR) |
Funding ID | 17FUN03 |
Organisation | European Association of National Metrology Institutes (EURAMET) |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | Germany |
Start | 05/2018 |
End | 05/2021 |
Title | ARC 3.0 Alkali(ne) Rydberg Calaculator |
Description | This software enables calculation of the properties of two-electron Rydberg atoms covering the elements Ca, Sr and Yb. It includes an up-to-date library of spectroscopic data. |
Type Of Material | Computer model/algorithm |
Year Produced | 2021 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | This software have been widely used in the community with the associated publication (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0010465520304136) garnering 51 citations in 3 years |
URL | https://arc-alkali-rydberg-calculator.readthedocs.io/en/latest/ARC_3_0_introduction.html |
Description | Celebrate Science 2019 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Celebrate Science is an annual science festival aimed at school children held in Durham in the October half term. It is well established, and attended by >1000 people over typically four days. Staff employed on this project contributed to an activity on optics (polarization) and spectroscopy |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://www.dur.ac.uk/celebrate.science/ |