Speaker
Description
Atom interferometry utilizes matter-wave quantum interference. Different quantum states of an ultracold atom ensemble follow different free-fall trajectories through spacetime and experience the spatial and temporal variations of the gravitational potential. Variations in the gravitational field are encoded in the resulting matter-wave interference pattern. With the precise control of quantum sensors based on this interference we can detect minute changes in gravity at the nano-g level and potentially lower. Extreme sensitivity is both beneficial and detrimental; along with the increase in signal sensitivity comes an increase in noise. The smallest density fluctuations can limit physics signal searches and in some cases entirely dominate the quantum sensor measurements. Taking two atom interferometers separated by large free-space distances and operated through interactions with the same laser beam unlocks the ability to detect gravitational waves in the decihertz frequency range. In this talk I will present models for extracting gravitational signals from atom interferometers. Included in these sources of gravitational signals are terrestrial seismic and atmospheric density fluctuations and binary black hole mergers. I will also briefly discuss the limitations imposed by terrestrial signals on gravitational wave searches and further opportunities for testing gravity through quantum scale measurements.
