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Intermediate-Range Casimir-Polder Interaction Probed by High-Order Slow Atom Diffraction

C. Garcion, N. Fabre, H. Bricha, F. Perales, S. Scheel, M. Ducloy, and G. Dutier
Phys. Rev. Lett. 127, 170402 – Published 19 October 2021
Physics logo See synopsis: Close Passes Give Atoms Tiny Quantum Kicks  
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Abstract

At nanometer separation, the dominant interaction between an atom and a material surface is the fluctuation-induced Casimir–Polder potential. We demonstrate that slow atoms crossing a silicon nitride transmission nanograting are a remarkably sensitive probe for that potential. A 15% difference between nonretarded (van der Waals) and retarded Casimir–Polder potentials is discernible at distances smaller than 51 nm. We discuss the relative influence of various theoretical and experimental parameters on the potential in detail. Our work paves the way to high-precision measurement of the Casimir–Polder potential as a prerequisite for understanding fundamental physics and its relevance to applications in quantum-enhanced sensing.

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  • Received 31 March 2021
  • Accepted 7 September 2021

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.127.170402

© 2021 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Atomic, Molecular & Optical

synopsis

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Close Passes Give Atoms Tiny Quantum Kicks  

Published 19 October 2021

A new technique in which atoms move slowly through a diffraction grating lets researchers measure the tiny Casimir-Polder interaction, a force that arises from quantum vacuum fluctuations.

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Authors & Affiliations

C. Garcion1, N. Fabre1, H. Bricha1, F. Perales1, S. Scheel2, M. Ducloy1, and G. Dutier1,*

  • 1Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratoire de Physique des Lasers, CNRS, (UMR 7538), F-93430 Villetaneuse, France
  • 2Institut für Physik, Universität Rostock, Albert-Einstein-Straße 23-24, D-18059 Rostock, Germany

  • *dutier@univ-paris13.fr

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Issue

Vol. 127, Iss. 17 — 22 October 2021

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