Marie-Christine Angonin

iSense: A Portable Ultracold-Atom-Based Gravimeter

Abstract We present iSense , a recently initiated FET project aiming to use Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to develop a platform for portable quantum sensors based on cold atoms. A prototype of backpack-size highprecision force sensor will be built to demonstrate the concept.

Time transfer functions as a way to validate light propagation solutions for space astrometry

Given the extreme accuracy of modern space astrometry, a precise relativistic modeling of observations is required. Concerning light propagation, the standard procedure is the solution of the null-geodesic equations. However, another approach based on the time transfer functions (TTF) has demonstrated its capability to give access to key quantities such as the time of flight of a light signal between two point-events and the tangent vector to its null-geodesic in a weak gravitational field using an integral-based method. The availability of several models, formulated in different and independent ways, must not be considered like an oversized relativistic toolbox. Quite the contrary, they are needed as validation to put future experimental results on solid ground. The objective of this work is then twofold. First, we build the time of flight and tangent vectors in a closed form within the TTF formalism giving the case of a time-dependent metric. Second, we show how to use this new approach to obtain a comparison of the TTF with two existing modelings, namely the Gaia RElativistic Model (GREM) and the Relativistic Astrometric MODel (RAMOD). In this way, we highlight the mutual consistency of the three models, opening the basis for further links between all the approaches, which is mandatory for the interpretation of future space missions data. This will be illustrated through two recognized cases: a static gravitational field and a system of gravitational mass monopoles in uniform motion.

Extended Fermi coordinates

We extend the notion of Fermi coordinates to a generalized definition in which the highest orders are described by arbitrary functions. From this definition rises a formalism that naturally gives coordinate transformation formulae. Some examples are developed in order to discuss the physical meaning of Fermi coordinates.

Lorentz Symmetry Violations from Matter-Gravity Couplings with Lunar Laser Ranging

The standard-model extension (SME) is an effective field theory framework aiming at parametrizing any violation to the Lorentz symmetry (LS) in all sectors of physics. In this Letter, we report the first direct experimental measurement of SME coefficients performed simultaneously within two sectors of the SME framework using lunar laser ranging observations. We consider the pure gravitational sector and the classical point-mass limit in the matter sector of the minimal SME. We report no deviation from general relativity and put new realistic stringent constraints on LS violations improving up to 3 orders of magnitude previous estimations.

Constraints on SME Coefficients from Lunar Laser Ranging, Very Long Baseline Interferometry, and Asteroid Orbital Dynamics

Lorentz symmetry violations can be parametrized by an effective field theory framework that contains both General Relativity and the Standard Model of particle physics, called the Standard-Model Extension or SME. We consider in this work only the pure gravitational sector of the minimal SME. We present new constraints on the SME coefficients obtained from lunar laser ranging, very long baseline interferometry, and planetary motions.

MEASUREMENT OF SHORT RANGE FORCES USING COLD ATOMS

We describe the new project FORCA-G, which aims at studying the short range interactions between a surface and atoms trapped in its vicinity. Using cold atoms confined in the wells of an optical standing wave, the atom-surface potential will be measured with high sensitivity using atom interferometry techniques. The experiment will allow a test of gravity at short distances, which will put stringent bounds on a possible deviation from the known laws of physics. FORCA-G will also allow a measurement of the Casimir Polder interaction (QED vacuum fluctuations) with unprecedented accuracy.

Application of time transfer functions to Gaia’s global astrometry: Validation on DPAC simulated Gaia-like observations

A key objective of the ESA Gaia satellite is the realization of a quasi-inertial reference frame at visual wavelengths by means of global astrometric techniques. This requires an accurate mathematical and numerical modeling of relativistic light propagation, as well as double-blind-like procedures for the internal validation of the results, before they are released to the scientific community at large. Aim of this work is to specialize the Time Transfer Functions (TTF) formalism to the case of the Gaia observer and prove its applicability to the task of Global Sphere Reconstruction (GSR), in anticipation of its inclusion in the GSR system, already featuring the suite of RAMOD models, as an additional semi-external validation of the forthcoming Gaia baseline astrometric solutions. We extend the current GSR framework and software infrastructure (GSR2) to include TTF relativistic observation equations compatible with Gaias operations. We use simulated data generated by the Gaia Data Reduction and Analysis Consortium (DPAC) to obtain different least-squares estimations of the full stellar spheres and gauge results. These are compared to analogous solutions obtained with the current RAMOD model in GSR2 and to the catalog generated with GREM, the model baselined for Gaia and used to generate the DPAC synthetic data. Linearized least-squares TTF solutions are based on spheres of about 132,000 primary stars uniformly distributed on the sky and simulated observations spanning the entire 5-yr range of Gaias nominal operational lifetime. The statistical properties of the results compare well with those of GREM. Finally, comparisons to RAMOD@GSR2 solutions confirmed the known lower accuracy of that model and allowed us to establish firm limits on the quality of the linearization point outside of which an iteration for non-linearity is required for its proper convergence.

Lifetimes of atoms trapped in an optical lattice in proximity of a surface

We study the lifetime of an atom trapped in an optical vertical lattice in proximity of a massive surface using a complex-scaling approach. We analyze how the presence of the surface modifies the known lifetimes of Wannier-Stark states associated with Landau-Zener tunneling. We also investigate how the existence of a hypothetical short-distance deviation from Newtons gravitational law could affect these lifetimes. Our study is relevant in order to discuss the feasibility of any atomic-interferometry experiment performed near a surface. Finally, the difficulties encountered in applying the complex-scaling approach to the atom-surface Casimir-Polder interaction are addressed. DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevA.88.013411 PACS number(s): 37.10.Jk, 34.35.+a, 37.25.+k, 42.50.Ct

Dynamical aspects of atom interferometry in an optical lattice in proximity to a surface

The efficiency of an atomic interferometer in proximity of a surface is discussed. We first study which is the best choice of frequency for a pulse acting on internal atomic transitions in the same well. Then considering the modification of atomic energy levels in vicinity of the surface, we propose the application of two simultaneous Raman lasers and numerically study the associated interference fringes. We show that the efficiency of the interferometric scheme is limited by the existence of a residual phase depending on the atomic path. We propose a symmetric scheme in order to avoid these contributions. We finally show that the suggested modifications make the contrast of the interference fringes close to 1 in any configuration, both close and far from the surface and with one or more initially populated wells.