PHYSICS PHD DISSERTATION DEFENSE: Benjamin Malia

Ph.D. Candidate: Benjamin Malia

Research Advisor: Mark Kasevich

Date: Wednesday, July 7th, 2021

Time: 1:00 (PDT)

Zoom Link: https://stanford.zoom.us/j/97896654689

Zoom Password: email mariaf67 [at] stanford.edu (mariaf67[at]stanford[dot]edu) for password

Title: Integration of Spin Squeezed States into Free Space Atomic Sensors

Abstract: Atomic sensors utilize cold atom ensembles to measure a variety of observables, including time and acceleration, with high precision. Each type of sensor has a specific sequence of laser light to manipulate the quantum states of the atoms such that they measure the desired observable. For well optimized sensors, the ultimate resolution is determined by the quantum projection noise (QPN), a limit set by the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. The QPN is typically reduced by either increasing the number of atoms or by increasing the time between laser pulses. Application parameters, such as physical size or repetition rate, limit the extent of these improvements. Quantum entanglement through spin squeezing provides a third avenue for increasing the resolution of sensors.