News & Events
HEPL / KIPAC Seminar
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Jason Hogan
Stanford University
Fundamental Physics on the Precision Measurement Frontier
Abstract: Precision atom interferometry is poised to become a powerful tool for discovery in fundamental physics. Towards this end, I will describe recent, record-breaking atom interferometry experiments performed in a 10 meter drop tower that demonstrates long-lived quantum superposition states with macroscopic spatial separations.
The potential of this type of sensor is only beginning to be realized, and the ongoing march toward higher sensitivity will enable a diverse science impact, including laboratory tests of general relativity and post-Newtonian gravity, probes of quantum mechanics, and detection of gravitational waves. Gravitational wave astronomy is particularly compelling since it opens up a new window into the universe, collecting information about astrophysical systems and cosmology that is difficult or impossible to acquire by other methods.
Atom interferometric gravitational wave detection offers a number of advantages over traditional approaches, including simplified detector geometries, access to conventionally inaccessible frequency ranges, and substantially reduced antenna baselines.
Time: 1:30 – 2:30pm
Location: Physics/Astrophysics Bldg., Kistler Conference Room 102/103 (Map)
(Light refreshments available1:15pm; Presentation begin1:30pm)
Open to All
