arXiv subjects

Jesse S. Schelfhout

Publications and source records attributed to Jesse S. Schelfhout.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

A high-flux atomic strontium oven with light-driven flux modulation

A high-flux source of strontium atoms is required for cold atom quantum technology applications. We present a re-entrant oven design that avoids the need for any vacuum feed-throughs and has an inherent temperature gradient to guard against clogging of the nozzle. The nozzle is fabricated by micro-machining of fused silica using selective laser etching; this specialised technique is capable of making many thousands of fine microchannels and is suitable for batch production. Operating with only electrical heating, using <20W of electrical power, a total flux of $8(1)\times 10^{14}$ atoms/s is achieved at an oven temperature of 475°C, of which we estimate $1.8(2)\times 10^{13}$ atoms/s could be captured. A heated in-vacuum sapphire window grants optical access directly opposite the oven, and can be cleared of metallization without breaking vacuum. We used this optical access to modulate the flux of the atomic beam by direct illumination of the nozzle and the strontium metal with high-power laser light. Heating by laser light increased the useful flux by a factor of up to 16(3) on a timescale of 40s, and a factor of 2.5(5) on a timescale of 1s. This flux modulation serves to increase the operating lifetime of the oven. We report experimental measurements of the performance of the oven in long-term operation over many months.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2024

A single-photon large-momentum-transfer atom interferometry scheme for Sr or Yb atoms with application to determining the fine-structure constant

The leading experimental determinations of the fine-structure constant, $α$, currently rely on atomic photon-recoil measurements from Ramsey-Bordé atom interferometry with large momentum transfer to provide an absolute mass measurement. We propose an experimental scheme for an intermediate-scale differential atom interferometer to measure the photon-recoil of neutral atomic species with a single-photon optical clock transition. We calculate trajectories for our scheme that optimise the recoil phase while nullifying the undesired gravity-gradient phase by considering independently launching two clouds of ultracold atoms with the appropriate initial conditions. For Sr and Yb, we find an atom interferometer of height 3m to be sufficient for an absolute mass measurement precision of $Δm / m \sim 1\times 10^{-11}$ with current technology. Such a precise measurement (the first of its kind for Sr or Yb) would halve the uncertainty in $α$ -- an uncertainty that would no longer be limited by an absolute mass measurement. The removal of this limitation would allow the uncertainty in $α$ to be reduced by a factor of 10 by corresponding improvements in relative mass measurements, thus paving the way for higher-precision tests of the Standard Model of particle physics.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2021

MCDHF-CI calculations for Hg and Cd with estimates for unknown clock transition frequencies

By use of the \textsc{grasp2018} package we perform Multiconfiguration Dirac-Hartree-Fock (MCDHF) calculations with configuration interaction (CI) for the $^{1}S_{0}$ and $^{3}P_{0,1}^o$ levels in neutral cadmium and mercury. By supplying the resultant atomic state functions to the \textsc{ris4} program, we evaluate the mass and field shift parameters for the $^{1}S_{0}-\,^{3}P_{0}^o$ (clock) and $^{1}S_{0}-\,^{3}P_{1}^o$ (intercombination) lines. We make revised estimates of the nuclear charge parameters $λ^{A,A'}$ and differences in mean-square charge radii $δ\langle r^2\rangle^{A,A'}$ for both elements and point out a discrepancy with tabulated data for Cd. In constructing a King plot with the Hg lines we examine the second-order hyperfine interaction for the $^{3}P_{0,1}^o$ levels. Isotope shifts for the clock transition have been estimated from which we predict the unknown clock line frequencies in the bosonic Hg isotopes and all the naturally occurring isotopes of Cd.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2021

Isotope shifts for ${}^1S_0-{}^3P_{0,1}^o$ Yb lines from multi-configuration Dirac-Hartree-Fock calculations

Relativistic multiconfiguration Dirac-Hartree-Fock (MCDHF) calculations with configuration interaction (CI) are carried out for the $^{1}S_{0}$ and $^{3}P_{0,1}^o$ states in neutral ytterbium by use of the available GRASP2018 package. From the resultant atomic state functions and the RIS4 extension, we evaluate the mass and field shift parameters for the $^{1}S_{0}-\,^{3}P_{0}^o$ (clock) and $^{1}S_{0}-\,^{3}P_{1}^o$ (intercombination) lines. We present improved estimates of the nuclear charge parameters, $λ^{A,A'}$, and differences in mean-square charge radii, $δ\langle r^2\rangle^{A,A'}$, and examine the second-order hyperfine interaction for the $^{3}P_{0,1}^o$ states. Isotope shifts for the clock transition have been estimated by three largely independent means from which we predict the unknown clock line frequencies in bosonic Yb isotopes. Knowledge of these line frequencies has implications for King plot nonlinearity tests and the search for beyond Standard-Model signatures.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2020

Fourier transform detection of weak optical transitions with cyclic routines

We demonstrate a means of detecting weak optical transitions in cold atoms that undergo cyclic routines with high sensitivity. The gain in sensitivity is made by probing atoms on alternate cycles leading to a regular modulation of the ground state atom population when at the resonance frequency. The atomic transition is identified by conducting a fast Fourier transform via algorithm or instrument. We find an enhancement of detection sensitivity compared to more conventional scanning methods of $\sim 20$ for the same sampling time, and can detect clock lines with fewer than $10^3$ atoms in a magneto-optical trap. We apply the method to the $(6s^{2})$ $ ^{1}S_{0} - (6s6p)$ $^{3}P_{0}$ clock transition in $^{171}$Yb and $^{173}$Yb. The ac-Stark shift of this line in $^{171}$Yb is measured to be 0.19(3) kHz$\cdot$W$^{-1}\cdot$m$^2$ at 556 nm.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2019

Hyperfine constants and line separations for the $^{1}S_{0}-\,^{3}P_{1}$ intercombination line in neutral ytterbium with sub-Doppler resolution

Optical frequency measurements of the intercombination line $(6s^{2})\,^{1}S_{0} -(6s6p)\,^{3}P_{1}$ in the isotopes of ytterbium are carried out with the use of sub-Doppler fluorescence spectroscopy on an atomic beam. A dispersive signal is generated to which a master laser is locked, while frequency counting of an auxiliary beat signal is performed via a frequency comb referenced to a hydrogen maser. The relative separations between the lines are used to evaluate the $^{3}P_{1}$-level magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole constants for the fermionic isotopes. The center of gravity for the $^3P_1$ levels in $^{171}$Yb and $^{173}$Yb are also evaluated, where we find significant disagreement with previously reported values. These hyperfine constants provide a valuable litmus test for atomic many-body computations in ytterbium.

physics.atom-ph↗