Physics and Astronomy Colloquium
New atom interferometers for fundamental physics
Presented by Holger Mueller, UC Bekeley
Precision measurements of fundamental quantities test the standard model of particle physics and may even be used to search for new particles and interactions. We will report on our measurement of the fine-structure constant to an accuracy of 0.20 parts per billion (ppb), how it impacts fundamental physics, and how we plan to improve the accuracy further to a level of 0.02 ppb. Building a new setup, we will take the spatial mode quality of the laser beam to an unprecedented level. We will also report on "lattice interferometry" in which we have interfered quantum states after storing them at spatially separated locations for as long as 20 seconds, and how we plan to use them for new gravitational experiments with matter waves.
3:30 pm, Friday, April 2, 2021
Via Zoom. Contact the department for password
Individuals with disabilities who need an auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in P&A events should contact the Physics Department (phone: 505-277-2616, email: physics@unm.edu) well in advance to ensure your needs are accomodated. Event handouts can be provided in alternative accessible formats upon request. Please contact the Physics front office if you need written information in an alternative format.
A schedule of talks within the Department of Physics and Astronomy is available on the P&A web site at http://physics.unm.edu/pandaweb/events/index.php