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A Compact Continuous Superradiant Clock on the mHz strontium line

Project description

The future of optical atomic clocks

Accurate timekeeping is vital for advancements in technology and fundamental physics. Optical atomic clocks measure time with unprecedented precision. This opens pathways to detect changes in physics constants and enhance navigation systems. However, their potential is constrained by reliance on external resonators and bulky apparatus. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the CCSuperClock project aims to revolutionise the field of atomic time. By developing the first continuous superradiant optical clock, it seeks to greatly reduce disadvantages caused by the pulsed operation of standard atomic clocks. Additionally, the project will focus on miniaturising the setup, paving the way for portable, high-precision clocks.

Objective

Optical atomic clocks can measure time with an uncertainty on the order of just a few seconds over the age of the universe. Measurement with this level of precision has far-reaching applications, from the measurement of minute changes in the fundamental physics constants revealing physics beyond the Standard Model, to technological advances in navigation and network synchronization. To unlock the full potential of atomic clocks, we must minimize the dependence on the precision of an external optical resonator and miniaturize the experimental apparatus required, allowing for field-deployability. In this project, I will realize the first ever continuous superradiant laser based on 88-Sr atoms, theoretically proposed to reach a linewidth even smaller than the ultra-narrow natural linewidth of the clock transition in strontium. I will then use the continuous superradiant laser as the basis for the first ever continuous superradiant optical clock, minimizing uncertainties due to the Dick effect. Further, during the fellowship I will use my previous experience with compact cold atom systems to miniaturize the experimental apparatus as a step towards a compact continuous superradiant clock.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01

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Coordinator

UNIVERSITEIT VAN AMSTERDAM
Net EU contribution
€ 187 624,32
Total cost
No data