Near-field interferometry of a free-falling nanoparticle from a point-like source
Near-field interferometry of a free-falling nanoparticle from a point-like source
Matter-wave interferometry performed with massive objects elucidates their wave nature and thus tests the quantum superposition principle at large scales. Whereas standard quantum theory places no limit on particle size, alternative, yet untested theories—conceived to explain the apparent quantum to classical transition—forbid macroscopic superpositions. Here we propose an interferometer with a levitated, optically cooled and then free-falling silicon nanoparticle in the mass range of one million atomic mass units, delocalized over >150?nm. The scheme employs the near-field Talbot effect with a single standing-wave laser pulse as a phase grating. Our analysis, which accounts for all relevant sources of decoherence, indicates that this is a viable route towards macroscopic high-mass superpositions using available technology.
1-5
Bateman, James
05b8f150-3d00-49f6-bf35-3d535b773b53
Nimmrichter, Stefan
12b3687e-0fc7-47c8-b4c4-f1e7aa9b1a3f
Hornberger, Klaus
fae9c720-e797-4227-853f-20bd1a7f53e9
Ulbricht, Hendrik
5060dd43-2dc1-47f8-9339-c1a26719527d
2 September 2014
Bateman, James
05b8f150-3d00-49f6-bf35-3d535b773b53
Nimmrichter, Stefan
12b3687e-0fc7-47c8-b4c4-f1e7aa9b1a3f
Hornberger, Klaus
fae9c720-e797-4227-853f-20bd1a7f53e9
Ulbricht, Hendrik
5060dd43-2dc1-47f8-9339-c1a26719527d
Bateman, James, Nimmrichter, Stefan, Hornberger, Klaus and Ulbricht, Hendrik
(2014)
Near-field interferometry of a free-falling nanoparticle from a point-like source.
Nature Communications, 5, , [4788].
(doi:10.1038/ncomms5788).
Abstract
Matter-wave interferometry performed with massive objects elucidates their wave nature and thus tests the quantum superposition principle at large scales. Whereas standard quantum theory places no limit on particle size, alternative, yet untested theories—conceived to explain the apparent quantum to classical transition—forbid macroscopic superpositions. Here we propose an interferometer with a levitated, optically cooled and then free-falling silicon nanoparticle in the mass range of one million atomic mass units, delocalized over >150?nm. The scheme employs the near-field Talbot effect with a single standing-wave laser pulse as a phase grating. Our analysis, which accounts for all relevant sources of decoherence, indicates that this is a viable route towards macroscopic high-mass superpositions using available technology.
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Accepted/In Press date: 24 July 2014
Published date: 2 September 2014
Organisations:
Quantum, Light & Matter Group
Identifiers
Local EPrints ID: 401293
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/401293
PURE UUID: d6ec6373-0e1f-4422-b424-882ff5371da8
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Date deposited: 10 Oct 2016 15:43
Last modified: 15 Mar 2024 03:31
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Author:
James Bateman
Author:
Stefan Nimmrichter
Author:
Klaus Hornberger
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