arXiv subjects

M. D. Barrett

Publications and source records attributed to M. D. Barrett.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2019

Spectroscopy of the $^1S_0$-to-$^1D_2$ clock transition in $^{176}$Lu$^+$

High precision spectroscopy of the $^1S_0$-to-${^1}D_2$ clock transition of $^{176}$Lu is reported. Measurements are performed with Hertz level precision with the accuracy of the hyperfine-averaged frequency limited by the calibration of an active hydrogen maser to the SI definition of the second via a GPS link. The measurements also provide accurate determination of the $^1D_2$ hyperfine structure. Hyperfine structure constants associated with the magnetic octupole and electric hexadecapole moments of the nucleus are considered, which includes a derivation of correction terms from third-order perturbation theory.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2019

Laser spectroscopy of $^{176}$Lu$^+$

We perform high resolution spectroscopy on $^{176}$Lu$^+$ including the $^1S_0\leftrightarrow{^3}D_1$ and $^1S_0\leftrightarrow{^3}D_2$ clock transitions. Hyperfine structures and optical frequencies relative to the $^1S_0$ ground state of four low lying excited states are given to a few tens of kHz resolution. This covers the most relevant transitions involved in clock operation with this isotope. Additionally, measurements of the $^3D_2$ hyperfine structure may provide access to higher order nuclear moments, specifically the magnetic octupole and electric hexadecapole moments.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2018

Oscillating quadrupole effects in high precision metrology

The influence of oscillating quadrupole fields on atomic energy levels is examined theoretically and general expressions for the quadrupole matrix elements are given. The results are relevant to any ion-based clock in which one of the clock states supports a quadrupole moment. Clock shifts are estimated for $^{176}$Lu$^+$ and indicate that coupling to the quadrupole field would not be a limitation to clock accuracy at the $\lesssim10^{-19}$ level. Nevertheless, a method is suggested that would allow this shift to be calibrated. This method utilises a resonant quadrupole coupling that enables the quadrupole moment of the atom to be measured. A proof-of-principle demonstration is given using $^{138}$Ba$^+$, in which the quadrupole moment of the $D_{5/2}$ state is estimated to be $Θ=3.229(89) e a_0^2$.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2018

Dynamic polarizability measurements in $^{176}$Lu$^+$

We measure the differential polarizability of the $^{176}$Lu$^+$ $^1S_0$ -to- ${^3}D_1$ clock transition at multiple wavelengths. This experimentally characterizes the differential dynamic polarizability for frequencies up to 372 THz and allows an experimental determination of the dynamic correction to the blackbody radiation shift for the clock transition. In addition, measurements at the near resonant wavelengths of 598 and 646 nm determine the two dominant contributions to the differential dynamic polarizability below 372 THz. These additional measurements are carried out by two independent methods to verify the validity of our methodology. We also carry out a theoretical calculation of the polarizabilities using the hybrid method that combines the configuration interaction (CI) and the coupled-cluster approaches, incorporating for the first time quadratic non-linear terms and partial triple excitations in the coupled-cluster calculations. The experimental measurements of the $|\langle ^3D_1|| r || ^3P_J\rangle|$ matrix elements provide high-precision benchmarks for this theoretical approach.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2018

Oscillating magnetic field effects in high precision metrology

We examine a range of effects arising from ac magnetic fields in high precision metrology. These results are directly relevant to high precision measurements, and accuracy assessments for state-of-the-art optical clocks. Strategies to characterize these effects are discussed and a simple technique to accurately determine trap-induced ac magnetic fields in a linear Paul trap is demonstrated using $^{171}\mathrm{Yb}^+$

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2018

Dicke model simulation via cavity-assisted Raman transitions

The Dicke model is of fundamental importance in quantum mechanics for understanding the collective behaviour of atoms coupled to a single electromagnetic mode. In this paper, we demonstrate a Dicke-model simulation using cavity-assisted Raman transitions in a configuration using counter-propagating laser beams. The observations indicate that motional effects should be included to fully account for the results and these results are contrasted with the experiments using single-beam and co-propagating configurations. A theoretical description is given that accounts for the beam geometries used in the experiments and indicates the potential role of motional effects. In particular a model is given that highlights the influence of Doppler broadening on the observed thresholds.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2017

Cavity QED engineering of spin dynamics and squeezing in a spinor gas

We propose a method for engineering spin dynamics in ensembles of integer-spin atoms confined within a high-finesse optical cavity. Our proposal uses cavity-assisted Raman transitions to engineer a Dicke model for integer-spin atoms, which, in a dispersive limit, reduces to effective atom-atom interactions within the ensemble. This scheme offers a promising and flexible new avenue for the exploration of a wide range of spinor many-body physics. As an example of this, we present results showing that this method can be used to generate spin-nematic squeezing in an ensemble of spin-1 atoms. With realistic parameters the scheme should enable substantial squeezing on time scales much shorter than current experiments with spin-1 Bose-Einstein condensates.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2017

Observation of the $^1$S$_0$ to $^3$D$_1$ clock transition in $^{175}$Lu$^+$

We report the first laser spectroscopy of the $^1$S$_0$ to $^3$D$_1$ clock transition in $^{175}$Lu$^+$. Clock operation is demonstrated on three pairs of Zeeman transitions, one pair from each hyperfine manifold of the $^3$D$_1$ term. We measure the hyperfine intervals of the $^3$D$_1$ to 10 ppb uncertainty and infer the optical frequency averaged over the three hyperfine transitions to be 353.639 915 952 2 (6) THz. The lifetime of the $^3$D$_1$ state is inferred to be $174^{+23}_{-32}$ hours from the M1 coupling strength.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2016

Non-equilibrium phase transition in a spin-1 Dicke model

We realize a spin-1 Dicke model using magnetic sub-levels of the lowest F=1 hyperfine level of $^{87}$Rb atoms confined to a high finesse cavity. We study this system under conditions of imbalanced driving, which is predicted to have a rich phase diagram of nonequilibrium phases and phase transitions. We observe both super-radiant and oscillatory phases from the cavity output spectra as predicted by theory. Exploring the system over a wide range of parameters, we obtain the boundaries between the normal, super-radiant and the oscillatory phases, and compare with a theoretical model.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2016

Suppression of clock shifts at field-insensitive transitions

We show that it is possible to significantly reduce quadrupole and tensor polarizability shifts of a clock transition by operating at a judiciously chosen field-insensitive point. In some cases shifts are almost completely eliminated making the transition an effective J = 0 to J = 0 candidate. This significantly improves the feasibility of a recent proposal for clock operation with large ion crystals. For such multi-ion clocks, geometric constraints and selection rules naturally divide clock operation into two categories based on the orientation of the magnetic field. We discuss the limitations imposed on each type and how calibrations might be carried out for clock operation.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2016

Atomic Properties of Lu$^+$

Singly ionised Lutetium has recently been suggested as a potential clock candidate. Here we report a joint experimental and theoretical investigation of \ce{Lu^+}. Measurements relevant to practical clock operation are made and compared to atomic structure calculations. Calculations of scalar and tensor polarizabilities for clock states over a range of wavelengths are also given. These results will be useful for future work with this clock candidate.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2015

Prospects for atomic clocks based on large ion crystals

We investigate the feasibility of precision frequency metrology with large ion crystals. For clock candidates with a negative differential static polarisability, we show that micromotion effects should not impede the performance of the clock. Using Lu+ as a specific example, we show that quadrupole shifts due to the electric fields from neighbouring ions do not significantly affect clock performance. We also show that effects from the tensor polarisability can be effectively managed with a compensation laser at least for a small number of ions (<1000). These results provide new possibilities for ion-based atomic clocks, allowing them to achieve stability levels comparable to neutral atoms in optical lattices and a viable path to greater levels of accuracy.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2015

Systematic evaluation of an atomic clock at 2e-18 total uncertainty

The pursuit of better atomic clocks has advanced many research areas, providing better quantum state control, new insights in quantum science, tighter limits on fundamental constant variation, and improved tests of relativity. The record for the best stability and accuracy is currently held by optical lattice clocks. This work takes an important step towards realizing the full potential of a many-particle clock with a state-of-the-art stable laser. Our 87Sr optical lattice clock now achieves fractional stability of 2.2e-16 at 1 s. With this improved stability, we perform a new accuracy evaluation of our clock, reducing many systematic uncertainties that limited our previous measurements, such as those in the lattice ac Stark shift, the atoms' thermal environment, and the atomic response to room-temperature BBR. Our combined measurements have reduced the total uncertainty of the JILA Sr clock to 2.1e-18 in fractional frequency units.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2014

Developing a field independent frequency reference by averaging over transitions to multiple hyperfine levels

We show that by averaging over transitions to multiple hyperfine levels, quadrupole shifts and dominant Zeeman effects exactly cancel whenever the nuclear spin, I, is at least as large as the total electronic angular momentum, J. The average frequency thus defines a frequency reference which is inherently independent of external magnetic fields and electric field gradients. We use Lu+ to illustrate the method although the approach could be readily adapted to other atomic species. This approach practically eliminates the quadrupole and Zeeman shift considerations for many clock candidates.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2013

Experimental determination of the nuclear magnetic octupole moment of $^{137}$Ba$^+$ ion

We perform precision measurements on the 5D$_{5/2}$ manifold hyperfine intervals of a single trapped ion, $^{137}$Ba$^+$. RF spectroscopy is used to measure the hyperfine intervals to an accuracy of a few Hz. Our results provide a three orders of magnitude improvement in accuracy over previous work and also provide a 10-fold improvement in the value of $g_J$ for this level. These results complement our previous work on the 5D$_{3/2}$ manifold of $^{137}$Ba$^+$, providing an independent measurement of the nuclear octupole, and a consistency check on atomic structure calculations.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2013

Reliability test for the experimental results of electric quadrupole hyperfine structure constants and new assessment of nuclear quadrupole moments in $^{135,137}$Ba

We investigate electric quadrupole hyperfine structure constant ($B$) results in $^{135}$Ba$^+$ and $^{137}$Ba$^+$ and compare their ratios with the reported measurements of the ratio between the nuclear quadrupole moment ($Q$) values of these isotopes. We carry out confidence tests for the reported experimental $B$ values and calculations of $B/Q$ from the present work. Inconsistencies in the experimental $B$ values are observed in both the isotopes from different experiments performed using the same techniques. The present calculations are carried out using an all order relativistic many-body theory considering only single and double excitations in the coupled-cluster ansatz. After a detailed analysis of the results, the values of $Q$ we obtain for $^{135}$Ba and $^{137}$Ba are 0.153(2)$b$ and 0.236(3)$b$, respectively, which differ by about 4% from the currently referred precise values.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2012

Self-Organization Threshold Scaling for Thermal Atoms Coupled to a Cavity

We make a detailed experimental study of the threshold for the self-organization of thermal 87Rb atoms coupled to a high-finesse cavity over a range of atom numbers and cavity detunings. We investigate the difference between probing with a traveling wave and a retroreflected lattice. These two scenarios lead to qualitatively different behavior in terms of the response of the system as a function of cavity detuning with respect to the probe. In both cases, we confirm a N-1 scaling of the threshold with atom number.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2012

Self-Organization Threshold with an External Potential

We derive threshold equations for self-organization of laser driven atoms in an optical cavity. Our analysis includes probing with either a traveling wave or a retro reflected lattice. These two scenarios lead to qualitatively different behavior in terms of the response of the system as a function of cavity detuning with respect to the probe. In addition our analysis includes the effects of an intra-cavity trapping potential which is also shown to impact on the threshold condition. We specifically consider the case of an intra-cavity lattice but our treatment can easily be modified to other geometries.

physics.atom-ph↗