SearcharxivSearch

arXiv subjects

Nikita Poljakov

Publications and source records attributed to Nikita Poljakov.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

On the potential for high-accuracy spectroscopy of $\mathrm{H}_2^+$ and $\overline{\mathrm{H}}_2^-$ in Penning traps for a test of CPT invariance

The comparison of vibrational transition frequencies of $\mathrm{H}_2^+$ and $\overline{\mathrm{H}}_2^-$ offers a new opportunity to test CPT invariance. Myers [Phys. Rev. A 98, 010101(R) (2018)] proposed performing laser spectroscopy in a Penning trap (PT) with non-destructive read-out. Here, we provide an extensive analysis of this proposal, introduce novel aspects, and discuss its implementation in PTs that incorporate either the continuous Stern-Gerlach effect or quantum-logic spectroscopy. We derive estimates for the achievable accuracy of the test. We find that a comparison of the vibrational frequencies at a fractional level of $1\times10^{-17}$ is a realistic prospect, using technology that is mostly already available. We also analyze complementary CPT invariance tests, namely those of the g-factor of the bound electron/positron via electron-spin-resonance spectroscopy and of the magnetic moment of the proton/antiproton via radiofrequency spectroscopy.

quant-ph

A robust method to reach the motional quantum regime of (anti-)protons in cryogenic multi-Penning traps

Sympathetic laser cooling is a key concept in precision spectroscopy and quantum state control of charged particles. Significant challenges arise in the metrologically relevant case where the effective interaction between the particles is weak and the particle to be cooled exhibits significant initial motional energy. Here we specifically address the most generally applicable case where the laser-cooled ion and the particle of interest are confined to two spatially separate potential wells with equal motional frequency for resonant enhancement of the cooling dynamics. We analyze the latter through numerical simulations and find that anharmonicities of the potential wells can prevent maintaining the resonance condition throughout the cooling process and thus inhibit a significant reduction in motional energy. We propose a cooling scheme that sweeps the trapping frequency of the potential wells. We show that this scheme enables efficient cooling from cryogenic temperatures all the way to the quantum regime of motion. As a specific application scenario, we analyze the sympathetic cooling of (anti-)protons into the quantum regime of motion for quantum-logic-spectroscopy-based tests of CPT invariance at the quantum limit in Penning traps. Nevertheless, our results and cooling strategies are generally applicable to other laser-inaccessible ion species.

quant-ph

The First Global e-Competition on Astronomy and Astrophysics

The first Global e-Competition on Astronomy and Astrophysics was held online in September-October 2020 as a replacement for the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics, which was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the short time available for organisation, 8 weeks, the competition was run successfully, with 325 students from over 42 countries participating with no major issues. The feedback from the participants was positive and reflects the ways in which such events can boost interest in astronomy and astronomy education. With online activities set to become more prevalent in the future, we present an overview of the competition process, the challenges faced, and some of the lessons learned, aiming to contribute to the development of best practices for organizing online competitions.

physics.ed-ph