Explorations of Bright Matter-Wave Solitons for Rotational Sensing
Lead Research Organisation:
Durham University
Department Name: Physics
Abstract
This is a theoretical and computational investigation into the possibility of using bright matter-wave solitons, formed from Bose-EInstein condensates of attractively interacting atoms in quasi-one-dimensional ring geometries, as a probe for rotational sensing by forming components of an atomic Sagnac interferometer. Although such a system offers its own challenges, the non-dispersive nature of solitons offers particular advantages, particularly as regards signal-to-noise considerations. A particular initial focus is the possibility of using effective potential constructed by exploiting a 3-internal state configuration coupled with two independent laser beams to facility narrow, sharp beam-splitting potentials.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Simon Gardiner (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Callum Grimshaw (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N509462/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 1972727 | Studentship | EP/N509462/1 | 01/10/2017 | 30/04/2021 | Callum Grimshaw |
| Description | The scheme to produce narrow potential barriers for use in bright soliton interferometry has been explored theoretically. The system uses spatially dependent coupling frequencies between three quantum states of an atomic species in order to produce narrower barriers (which can be used to split and recombine solitons) than is possible using the conventional far from resonant blue-detuned laser beam. The relationships between the barrier system and the ideal limits for soliton interferometry have been explored analytically and numerically in the context of an example atomic species (Rubidium-85). Parameterising the system in terms of experimentally controllable values, the relationships between the possible variables in the system with regards to improved soliton interferometry have been investigated. The system mentioned to split solitons in half using a three-component system opened up the question of soliton interferometry using more than one component (state of a Bose-Einstein condensate for the relevant ultracold atomic system). This led to an investigation into the interaction of two-component bright-bright solitary waves with a narrow potential barrier; specifically whether the components can be separated by their different interaction with the barrier and how this is affected by increasing the size of the coupling between the two species. This investigation has been written up in a paper which is currently awaiting a response from the reviewers. |
| Exploitation Route | The proposed advantages of soliton interferometry arise from the increased interrogation time offered by the system due to the inherent opposition to dispersion in the soliton as well as the enhancement from the collective interference of many atoms. The broader goal of using matter-waves for interferometric puropses is the sensitivity of the phase of the system, which is directly measured by an interferometric device, to gravitational and inertial forces. The accurate measurement of gravitational force has may possible uses in different sectors such as sensing the presence of fluids beneath a surface through a change in density and testing the accuracy of the predictions of theories. Inertial sensors find use in navigation systems. |
| Sectors | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Energy,Transport,Other |
| Description | Splitting of two-component solitary waves from collisions with narrow potential barriers collaboration |
| Organisation | Tel Aviv University |
| Country | Israel |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Undertaking of large computational study as well as some theoretical work |
| Collaborator Contribution | Initial idea behind inquiry as well as theoretical work |
| Impact | Paper published in Physical Review A |
| Start Year | 2018 |