Atom Interferometry

Mark Kasevich

Stanford University

Atom de Broglie wave interferometry has emerged as a tool capable of addressing a diverse set of questions in gravitational and condensed matter physics, and as an enabling technology for advanced sensors in geodesy and navigation.  This talk will review basic principles, then discuss recent applications and future directions.
Scientific applications to be discussed include measurement of G (Newton's constant), tests of the Equivalence Principle and post-Newtonian gravity, and study of the Kosterlitz-Thouless phase transition in layered superfluids.  Technology applications include development of precision gryoscopes and gravity gradiometers.   The talk will conclude with speculative remarks looking to the future: Can atom interference methods be used to detect gravity waves?  Can non-classical (entangled/squeezed state) atom sources lead to meaningful sensor performance improvements?