Experimental Improvements for Tune-out Wavelength Spectroscopy with 87Rb 113 views

The ac electric polarizability of atoms is wavelength dependent, and there exist so-called tune-out wavelengths at which the polarizability is zero, independent of the strength of the applied field. Previously, a linear atom interferometer was used to measure both scalar and vector tune-out wavelengths of 87Rb. Precise measurements of both tune-out wavelengths are required to determine the distinct terms that contribute to the overall polarizability, including the ``tail" components that are currently the largest source of uncertainty in atomic parity violation theory. Previous results constrained these ``tail" components, but on the level of 100% uncertainty. In this current work, the interferometry experiment was upgraded with optical fibers and reconfigured for better polarization control. This new infrastructure will enable future vector tune-out wavelength measurements that constrain the uncertain ``tail" components to a level of uncertainty that benefits APV theory.

PHD (Doctor of Philosophy)

Atomic physics; AC Stark effect; Atom interferometry; Atomic polarizability; Tune-out wavelength

English

2025-07-31