Keithly Award: Tests of quantum mechanics and gravitation with atom interferometry

Atom interferometry is used to create spatial atomic wavepacket superpositions separated by distances as large as 0.5 m over time scales of greater than 2 seconds [1]. These superpositions are used to test the Principle of Equivalence at the 1e-12 g level by comparing the gravitationally induced phase shifts for 85Rb and 87Rb interferometers [2], and to observe the influence of gravitational tidal forces on atomic wavefunctions [3]. These experiments, and their implications for future scientific and technological applications, will be discussed.

[1] Kovachy, T., et al., “Quantum Superposition at the Half-Metre Scale.” Nature 528, no. 7583 (December 24, 2015): 530–33.
[2] Asenbaum, P., et al., “Phase Shift in an Atom Interferometer Due to Spacetime Curvature across Its Wave Function.” Physical Review Letters 118, no. 18 (May 1, 2017): 183602.
[3] Asenbaum, P., et al., “Atom-Interferometric Test of the Equivalence Principle at the 10 − 12 Level.” Physical Review Letters 125, no. 19 (November 2, 2020): 191101.