Mainz 2026 – scientific programme
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Q: Fachverband Quantenoptik und Photonik
Q 36: Matter Wave Interferometry and Metrology I
Q 36.5: Talk
Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 15:30–15:45, P 11
Theoretical optimization of BEC sources for Atom Interferometry — •Claudia Puertas González1,2, Timothé Estrampes1,2, Naceur Gaaloul1, Dana-Codruta Marinica2, and Eric Charron2 — 1Institute of Quantum Optics, Leibniz University Hannover, Welfengarten 1, 30167, Hannover, Germany — 2Intitute of Molecular Science of Orsay, University Paris-Saclay, 598 Rue André Rivière, 91400, Orsay, France
Bose Einstein condensates (BECs) serve as excellent sources for atom interferometry due to their intrinsic coherence, which can be exploited to test the Universality of Free Fall. The key observable in such experiments is the phase difference between the interferometer arms, that depends on the interrogation time T. The Very Long Baseline Atom Interferometry (VLBAI) experiment, a 10-m high atomic fountain in Hannover, enables interrogation times of several seconds in both single- and dual-species configurations.
Reaching such long T requires a drastic reduction of the BECs expansion, as its natural expansion velocity is too large for precision measurements. In-Trap Lensing (ITL) and Delta-Kick Collimation (DKC) therefore play a crucial role in collimating the condensate prior to interferometry. I present here a theoretical framework for optimizing VLBAI source preparation and illustrate, using numerical simulations, how ITL and DKC enhance collimation and improve overall source quality. Efficient transport from the source to the launch position is equally essential and can be realized through shortcuts to adiabaticity (STA), which suppress excitations and help preserve coherence.
Keywords: Quantum Metrology; Atom Interferometry; Collimation and Transport BEC