arXiv subjects

James Bateman

Publications and source records attributed to James Bateman.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Super-molasses returns: All optical near-resonance laser cooling and trapping of neutral atoms from background vapor

Laser cooled and trapped atoms have been the workhorse of atomic physics for the past four decades. The predominant method has been the highly versatile Magneto-Optical Trap. We describe an alternative laser trap involving a simple geometry of collimated laser beams that provides both a velocity and position dependent restoring force such that a dense cloud of cold atoms is formed. This technique produces similar atom number ($>10^6$) and density ($10^{10}$\,atoms/cm$^{3}$) to the Magneto-Optical Trap, albeit with \emph{no magnetic field}. The beam geometry is compatible with conventional sub-Doppler cooling techniques, allowing the trapped cloud to be cooled to $< 10~\mu$K. We demonstrate the validity and robustness of the trap by capturing $^{87}$Rb atoms directly from the background vapor and provide a theoretical discussion of the underlying principles. This trap has many unique properties that make it highly suitable for quantum sensing, timing, and computing applications as well as a new tool in fundamental science and metrology.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2025

Photoacoustic model for laser-induced acoustic desorption of nanoparticles

Laser-induced acoustic desorption (LIAD) enables loading nanoparticles into optical traps under vacuum for levitated optomechanics experiments. Current LIAD systems rely on empirical optimization using available laboratory lasers rather than systematic theoretical design, resulting in large systems incompatible with portable or space-based applications. We develop a theoretical framework using the photoacoustic wave equation to model acoustic wave generation and propagation in metal substrates, enabling systematic optimization of laser parameters. The model identifies key scaling relationships: surface acceleration scales as $\tau^{-2}$ with pulse duration, while acoustic diffraction sets fundamental limits on optimal spot size $w \gtrsim \sqrt{v\tau d}$. Material figures of merit combine thermal expansion and optical absorption properties, suggesting alternatives to traditional aluminum substrates. The framework validates well against experimental data and demonstrates that compact laser systems with sub-nanosecond pulse durations can achieve performance competitive with existing laboratory-scale implementations despite orders-of-magnitude lower pulse energies. This enables rational design of minimal LIAD systems for practical applications.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2025

LEVITAS: Levitodynamics for Accurate Individual Particle Sensing in Space

Accurately observing the rarefied media of the upper atmosphere, exosphere, and planetary and solar system environments and beyond requires highly sensitive metrological techniques. We present the operating concept and architecture of an in-situ sensing solution based on the dynamics of a levitated nanoparticle (levitodynamics). It can detect and measure impacts of individual particles in rarefied media. Dubbed `LEVITAS', our sensor consists of a dispenser of dielectric nanoparticles and optical trapping of a single nanoparticle in the focus of a laser beam. The trapped nanoparticle constitutes a harmonic oscillator at frequencies in the kilohertz range whose position can be tracked at the standard quantum limit by interferometric detection of the laser photons it scatters. Here, we simulate microcanonical impacts on the nanoparticle and show that the density, velocity, temperature, and composition of the surrounding medium can be estimated accurately. We illustrate the performance of LEVITAS in circumstances ranging from low Earth orbit out to exospheric distances, across which individual impacts can be detected at favourable rates. Furthermore, LEVITAS may be employed to accurately measure highly rarefied neutral distributions within vastly different areas of momentum space. This we demonstrate by simulating the measurement of high-velocity neutral gas particles from the interstellar medium penetrating the heliosphere and flowing through our solar system.

physics.space-ph↗

arXiv2024

Optimal displacement detection of arbitrarily-shaped levitated dielectric objects using optical radiation

Optically-levitated dielectric objects are promising for precision force, acceleration, torque, and rotation sensing due to their extreme environmental decoupling. While many levitated optomechanics experiments employ spherical objects, for some applications non-spherical geometries offer advantages. For example, rod-shaped or dumbbell shaped particles have been demonstrated for torque and rotation sensing and high aspect ratio plate-like particles can exhibit reduced photon recoil heating and may be useful for high-frequency gravitational wave detection or as high bandwidth accelerometers. To achieve optimal sensitivity, cooling, and quantum control in these systems, it is beneficial to achieve optimal displacement detection using scattered light. We describe and numerically implement a method based on Fisher information that is applicable to suspended particles of arbitrary geometry. We demonstrate the agreement between our method and prior methods employed for spherical particles, both in the Rayleigh and Lorentz-Mie regimes. As practical examples, we analyze the optical detection limits of an optically-levitated high-aspect-ratio disc-like dielectric object and a rod-shaped object for configurations recently realized in experimental work.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2024

Backaction suppression in levitated optomechanics using reflective boundaries

We show theoretically that the noise due to laser induced backaction acting on a small nanosphere levitated in a standing-wave trap can be considerably reduced by utilising a suitable reflective boundary. We examine the spherical mirror geometry as a case study of this backaction suppression effect, discussing the theoretical and experimental constraints. We study the effects of laser recoil directly, by analysing optical force fluctuations acting on a dipolar particle trapped at the centre of a spherical mirror. We also compute the corresponding measurement imprecision in an interferometric, shot-noise-limited position measurement, using the formalism of Fisher information flow. Our results show that the standing-wave trapping field is necessary for backaction suppression in three dimensions, and they satisfy the Heisenberg limit of detection.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2023

Bayesian inference for near-field interferometric tests of collapse models

We explore the information which proposed matterwave interferometry experiments with large test masses can provide about parameterizable extensions to quantum mechanics, such as have been proposed to explain the apparent quantum to classical transition. Specifically, we consider a matterwave near-field Talbot interferometer and Continuous Spontaneous Localisation (CSL). Using Bayesian inference we compute the effect of decoherence mechanisms including pressure and blackbody radiation, find estimates for the number of measurements required, and provide a procedure for optimal choice of experimental control variables. We show that in a MAQRO like experiment it is possible to reach masses of $\sim10^9\,\text{u}$ and we quantify the bounds which can be placed on CSL. These specific results can be used to inform experimental design and the general approach can be applied to other parameterizable models.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2022

MAQRO -- BPS 2023 Research Campaign Whitepaper

The objective of the proposed MAQRO mission is to harness space for achieving long free-fall times, extreme vacuum, nano-gravity, and cryogenic temperatures to test the foundations of physics in macroscopic quantum experiments. This will result in the development of novel quantum sensors and a means to probe the foundations of quantum physics at the interface with gravity. Earlier studies showed that the proposal is feasible but that several critical challenges remain, and key technologies need to be developed. These new technologies will open up the potential for achieving additional science objectives. The proposed research campaign aims to advance the state of the art and to perform the first macroscopic quantum experiments in space. Experiments on the ground, in micro-gravity, and in space will drive the proposed research campaign during the current decade to enable the implementation of MAQRO within the subsequent decade.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2019

Spectral analysis and parameter estimation in levitated optomechanics

Optical levitation of nanoscale particles has emerged as a platform for precision measurement. Extremely low damping, together with optical interferometric position detection, makes possible exquisite force measurement and promises low-energy tests of fundamental physics. Essential to such measurement is an understanding of the confidence with which parameters can be inferred from spectra estimated from the indirect measurement provided by interferometry. We present an apparatus optimized for sensitivity along one motional degree of freedom, a theoretical model of the spectrum, and maximum likelihood estimation. The treatment accounts for the sinusoidal dependence of interferometric signal on particle position, and we use the technique to extract thermodynamic quantities in a regime where simpler treatments are confounded.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2017

Matterwave interferometric velocimetry of cold Rb atoms

We consider the matterwave interferometric measurement of atomic velocities, which forms a building block for all matterwave inertial measurements. A theoretical analysis, addressing both the laboratory and atomic frames and accounting for residual Doppler sensitivity in the beamsplitter and recombiner pulses, is followed by an experimental demonstration, with measurements of the velocity distribution within a 20 $\mu$K cloud of rubidium atoms. Our experiments use Raman transitions between the long-lived ground hyperfine states, and allow quadrature measurements that yield the full complex interferometer signal and hence discriminate between positive and negative velocities. The technique is most suitable for measurement of colder samples.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2016

A dynamic magneto-optical trap for atom chips

We describe a dynamic magneto-optical trap (MOT) suitable for the use with vacuum systems in which optical access is limited to a single window. This technique facilitates the long-standing desire of producing integrated atom chips, many of which are likely to have severely restricted optical access compared with conventional vacuum chambers. This "switching-MOT" relies on the synchronized pulsing of optical and magnetic fields at audio frequencies. The trap's beam geometry is obtained using a planar mirror surface, and does not require a patterned substrate or bulky optics inside the vacuum chamber. Central to the design is a novel magnetic field geometry that requires no external quadrupole or bias coils which leads toward a very compact system. We have implemented the trap for $^{85}$Rb and shown that it is capable of capturing 2 million atoms and directly cooling below the Doppler temperature.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2016

Experimental Realisation of a Thermal Squeezed State of Levitated Optomechanics

We experimentally squeeze the thermal motional state of an optically levitated nanosphere, by fast switching between two trapping frequencies. The measured phase space distribution of our particle shows the typical shape of a squeezed thermal state, from which we infer up to 2.7dB of squeezing along one motional direction. The experiment features a large number of thermal excitations, therefore remaining in the classical regime. Nevertheless, we argue that the manipulation scheme described here could be used to achieve squeezing below the zero-point level, if preceded by ground state cooling of the levitated mechanical oscillator. Additionally, a higher degree of squeezing could in principle be achieved by repeating the frequency-switching protocol multiple times.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2016

Parametric Feedback Cooling of Levitated Optomechanics in a Parabolic Mirror Trap

We demonstrate a simple and robust geometry for optical trapping in vacuum of a single nanoparticle based on a parabolic mirror and the optical gradient force, and we demonstrate rapid parametric feedback cooling of all three motional degrees of freedom from room temperature to a few mK. A single laser at 1550nm, and a single photodiode, are used for trapping, position detection, and cooling for all three dimensions. Particles with diameters from 26nm to 160nm are trapped without feedback to 10$^{-5}$mbar and with feedback engaged the pressure is reduced to 10$^{-6}$mbar. Modifications to the harmonic motion in the presence of noise and feedback are studied, and an experimental mechanical quality factor $>4\times 10^7$ is estimated.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2015

Optomechanical test of the Schr\"odinger-Newton equation

The Schr\"odinger-Newton equation has been proposed as an experimentally testable alternative to quantum gravity, accessible at low energies. It contains self-gravitational terms, which slightly modify the quantum dynamics. Here we show that it distorts the spectrum of a harmonic system. Based on this effect, we propose an optomechanical experiment with a trapped microdisc to test the Schr\"odinger-Newton equation, and we show that it can be realized with existing technology.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2015

Effects of Newtonian gravitational self-interaction in harmonically trapped quantum systems

The Schr\"odinger-Newton equation has gained attention in the recent past as a nonlinear modification of the Schr\"odinger equation due to a gravitational self-interaction. Such a modification is expected from a fundamentally semi-classical theory of gravity, and can therefore be considered a test case for the necessity of the quantisation of the gravitational field. Here we provide a thorough study of the effects of the Schr\"odinger-Newton equation for a micron-sized sphere trapped in a harmonic oscillator potential. We discuss both the effect on the energy eigenstates and the dynamical behaviour of squeezed states, covering the experimentally relevant parameter regimes.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2015

Macroscopic quantum resonators (MAQRO): 2015 Update

Do the laws of quantum physics still hold for macroscopic objects - this is at the heart of Schr\"odinger's cat paradox - or do gravitation or yet unknown effects set a limit for massive particles? What is the fundamental relation between quantum physics and gravity? Ground-based experiments addressing these questions may soon face limitations due to limited free-fall times and the quality of vacuum and microgravity. The proposed mission MAQRO may overcome these limitations and allow addressing those fundamental questions. MAQRO harnesses recent developments in quantum optomechanics, high-mass matter-wave interferometry as well as state-of-the-art space technology to push macroscopic quantum experiments towards their ultimate performance limits and to open new horizons for applying quantum technology in space. The main scientific goal of MAQRO is to probe the vastly unexplored "quantum-classical" transition for increasingly massive objects, testing the predictions of quantum theory for truly macroscopic objects in a size and mass regime unachievable in ground-based experiments. The hardware for the mission will largely be based on available space technology. Here, we present the MAQRO proposal submitted in response to the (M4) Cosmic Vision call of the European Space Agency for a medium-size mission opportunity with a possible launch in 2025.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2014

Interferometric laser cooling of atomic rubidium

We report the 1-D cooling of $^{85}$Rb atoms using a velocity-dependent optical force based upon Ramsey matter-wave interferometry. Using stimulated Raman transitions between ground hyperfine states, 12 cycles of the interferometer sequence cool a freely-moving atom cloud from $21~\mu$K to $3~\mu$K. This pulsed analog of continuous-wave Doppler cooling is effective at temperatures down to the recoil limit; with augmentation pulses to increase the interferometer area, it should cool more quickly than conventional methods, and be more suitable for species that lack a closed radiative transition.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2014

Composite pulses for interferometry in a thermal cold atom cloud

Atom interferometric sensors and quantum information processors must maintain coherence while the evolving quantum wavefunction is split, transformed and recombined, but suffer from experimental inhomogeneities and uncertainties in the speeds and paths of these operations. Several error-correction techniques have been proposed to isolate the variable of interest. Here we apply composite pulse methods to velocity-sensitive Raman state manipulation in a freely-expanding thermal atom cloud. We compare several established pulse sequences, and follow the state evolution within them. The agreement between measurements and simple predictions shows the underlying coherence of the atom ensemble, and the inversion infidelity in an 80 micro-Kelvin atom cloud is halved. Composite pulse techniques, especially if tailored for atom interferometric applications, should allow greater interferometer areas, larger atomic samples and longer interaction times, and hence improve the sensitivity of quantum technologies from inertial sensing and clocks to quantum information processors and tests of fundamental physics.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2014

On the Existence of Low-Mass Dark Matter and its Direct Detection

Dark Matter (DM) is an elusive form of matter which has been postulated to explain astronomical observations through its gravitational effects on stars and galaxies, gravitational lensing of light around these, and through its imprint on the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB). This indirect evidence implies that DM accounts for as much as 84.5% of all matter in our Universe, yet it has so far evaded all attempts at direct detection, leaving such confirmation and the consequent discovery of its nature as one of the biggest challenges in modern physics. Here we present a novel form of low-mass DM $\chi$ that would have been missed by all experiments so far. While its large interaction strength might at first seem unlikely, neither constraints from particle physics nor cosmological/astronomical observations are sufficient to rule out this type of DM, and it motivates our proposal for direct detection by optomechanics technology which should soon be within reach, namely, through the precise position measurement of a levitated mesoscopic particle which will be perturbed by elastic collisions with $\chi$ particles. We show that a recently proposed nanoparticle matter-wave interferometer, originally conceived for tests of the quantum superposition principle, is sensitive to these collisions, too.

hep-ph↗