Schwettmann, a professor in the Homer L. Dodge Department of Physics and Astronomy, said their research uses nearly 20,000 atoms within a gas cooled to extremely low temperatures to study quantum entanglement and that the study has implications for quantum-enhanced sensing applications.
The collaborative research effort through OU's Center for Quantum Research and Technology combines Schwettmann's expertise in manipulating ultracold gases with the project's co-principal investigator and associate professor in the Department of Physics, Biedermann. Biedermann's expertise is in using light pulses to investigate novel schemes of atom interferometry.
"In a sense, the entangled atoms react 'together' to external fields, which can enhance the signal-to-noise ratio for sensing applications," Schwettmann said. "This line of research will allow us to use the ultracold atoms as gravitational sensors. This is of interest for defense because gravitational fields can't be shielded. We know that radar can be shielded, but you can't hide an object's gravitational signature."
The possibility of detecting gravity in this way has additional possibilities, including quantum-enhanced sensing of accelerations.
"Once you know how to detect gravity, you can detect acceleration, which allows for inertial sensing, sometimes also called inertial navigation, which can enable us to identify an object's location without GPS," Schwettmann said.
The researchers are also studying what happens when these tests are made outside of a fully controlled environment. To do so, they will study outside influences like vibrations and humidity changes to better understand how external factors could influence the performance of future quantum-enhanced sensors.
Schwettmann credits their ability to expand their research to a "match made in Heaven."
"We have all the experts right here at OU. I don't have to call up a colleague at another university. They're down the hall."