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Observing the Quantum Limit of an Electron Cyclotron: QND Measurements of Quantum Jumps between Fock States

S. Peil and G. Gabrielse
Phys. Rev. Lett. 83, 1287 – Published 16 August 1999
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Abstract

Quantum jumps between Fock states of a one-electron oscillator reveal the quantum limit of a cyclotron. With a surrounding cavity inhibiting synchrotron radiation 140-fold, the jumps show a 13 s Fock state lifetime and a cyclotron in thermal equilibrium with 1.6 to 4.2 K blackbody photons. These disappear by 80 mK, a temperature 50 times lower than previously achieved with an isolated elementary particle. The cyclotron stays in its ground state until a resonant photon is injected. A quantum cyclotron offers a new route to measuring the electron magnetic moment and the fine structure constant.

  • Received 18 March 1999

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.83.1287

©1999 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

S. Peil and G. Gabrielse

  • Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138

See Also

The One-Electron Cyclotron

Meher Antia
Phys. Rev. Focus 4, 11 (1999)

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Vol. 83, Iss. 7 — 16 August 1999

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