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Non-classical correlations in ultracold atomic ensembles

Research Project
 | 
01.10.2020
 - 30.09.2024

Non-classical correlations between quantum systems lead to the most striking departure of quantum from classical physics. Despite decades of research, such correlations still present many conceptual and experimental challenges, while at the same time their key role in quantum technologies is recognised. This is particularly true for systems of many particles, where different classes of non-classical states exist with different usefulness for technological tasks. There are open questions on how to generate, control, detect, and exploit non-classical correlations, in particular in large ensembles where access to individual particles is limited. To elucidate these questions has become a subject of intense research on different experimental platforms. Ultracold atomic ensembles are quantum many-particle systems par excellence: (1) atoms are very well isolated from the environment and feature long coherence times, (2) ensembles with adjustable atom number from a few hundreds to millions can be reliably generated, (3) a powerful toolbox for control and measurement of their quantum state is available, and (4) atom-atom interactions can be tuned and engineered to generate correlations in a controlled way. These unique features make ultracold atomic ensembles an ideal system for the experimental study of non-classical correlations in many-particle systems, which is the overarching goal of this project. We will use two complementary approaches to pursue this goal: In the first approach, we will investigate atomic two-component Bose-Einstein condensates on an atom chip. Non-classical correlations between the atomic spins are generated by controlled collisions in a state-dependent potential. A specific focus of the experiments will be the distribution of non-classical correlations from one to several spatially separated and individually addressable condensates, with the goal to demonstrate entanglement and Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen steering and to investigate schemes for interferometry with spatially split condensates near the atom chip surface. In the second approach we will explore a new scheme for generating non-classical correlations in large atomic spin ensembles based on light-mediated Hamiltonian interactions. Using a new experimental setup with ultracold atoms in an optical dipole trap, we will generate collective spin-spin interactions by multi-pass atom-light interactions with free-space laser beams. This scheme is promising for quantum manipulation of large atomic ensembles in a simple geometry, potentially interesting for precision metrology. This project is expected to lead to novel insights into generation and control of non-classical correlations in ultracold atomic ensembles, their distribution into spatially separated, individually controllable systems, and their use in quantum technologies, in particular sensing, metrology and imaging.

Funding

Non-classical correlations in ultracold atomic ensembles

SNF Projekt (GrantsTool), 10.2020-09.2024 (48)
PI : Treutlein, Philipp.

Members (1)

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Philipp Treutlein

Principal Investigator