Physics with Cold Atoms

by Peter Graham (Stanford University)

Wednesday 15 Aug 2007, 14:00 → 15:00 Europe/Zurich

TH Theory Conference Room (CERN)

Atomic physics has made rapid progress recently, yielding many high precision techniques and experiments. Atom interferometry in particular has become a sensitive tool, used successfully for a variety of applications including clocks, gyroscopes, and accelerometers. In light of this, it is interesting to consider the possibilities for using atom interferometry to study fundamental physics. It could be applied to study gravity and astrophysics by observing low frequency gravitational waves, or by allowing laboratory tests of general relativity. Further, atom interferometry can make significant improvements to searches for new short- distance forces and tests of atom neutrality. It could even potentially provide novel tests of quantum mechanics.

Slides Graham.pdf