Quantum Metrology Laboratory

The quest for the superb precision of atomic spectroscopy contributed to the birth of the quantum-mechanics and to progress of modern physics. Highly precise atomic clocks, which are the outcomes of such research, are indeed the key technologies that support our modern society, such as the navigation with GPS and synchronization of high-speed communication networks. In 2001, we proposed a new atomic clock scheme, "optical lattice clock," which may allow us accessing to 18-digit-precision time/frequency in a measurement time of seconds. Armed with such high precision atomic clocks, we investigate fundamental physics such as the constancy of fundamental constants, whose coupling to the gravity, as well as application of such clocks to relativistic geodesy. In parallel, we explore quantum information technology and quantum metrology using "optical lattice clocks" as platforms to investigate the quantum feedback scheme and quantum simulator/computation.

Research Subjects

• Development of optical lattice clocks with superb precision
• Investigation of the constancy of fundamental constants using atomic clocks
• Quantum information technology based on ultracold neutral atoms

Publications

1. Takamoto, M., Takano, T. & Katori , H.:
   "Frequency comparison of optical lattice clocks beyond the Dick limit"
   Nature Photon. 5, 288-292 (2011)
2. Katori, H.:
   "Optical lattice clocks and quantum metrology"
   Nature Photon. 5, 203-210 (2011)
3. Katori, H., Hashiguchi, K., Il'inova, E.Y., & Ovsiannikov, V.D.:
   "Magic Wavelength to Make Optical Lattice Clocks Insensitive to Atomic Motion"
   Phys. Rev. Lett. 103, 153004 (2009)
4. Takamoto, M., Katori, H., Marmo, S.I., Ovsiannikov, V.D., & Pal'chikov, V.G.:
   "Prospects for Optical Clocks with a Blue-Detuned Lattice"
   Phys. Rev. Lett. 102, 063002 (2009)
5. Akatsuka, T., Takamoto, M., & Katori, H.:
   "Optical lattice clocks with non-interacting bosons and fermions"
   Nature Phys. 4, 954-959 (2008)
6. Hachisu, H., Miyagishi, K., Porsev, S.G., Derevianko, A., Ovsiannikov, V.D., Pal'chikov, V.G., Takamoto, M., & Katori, H.:
   "Trapping of Neutral Mercury Atoms and Prospects for Optical Lattice Clocks"
   Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 053001 (2008)
7. Takamoto, M., Hong, F.L., Higashi, R., Fujii, Y., Imae, M., & Katori, H.:
   "Improved frequency measurement of a one-dimensional optical lattice clock with a spin-polarized fermionic 87Sr isotope."
   J. Phys. Soc. Jpn. 75, 104302 (2006)
8. Kishimoto, T., Hachisu, H., Fujiki, J., Nagato, K., Yasuda, M., & Katori, H.:
   "Electrodynamic trapping of spinless neutral atoms with an atom chip"
   Phys. Rev. Lett. 96, 123001 (2006)
9. Takamoto, M., Hong, F.L., Higashi, R., & Katori, H.:
   "An optical lattice clock"
   Nature 435, 321-324 (2005)
10. Katori, H., Takamoto, M., Pal'chikov, V.G., & Ovsiannikov, V.D.:
    "Ultrastable optical clock with neutral atoms in an engineered light shift trap"
    Phys. Rev. Lett. 91, 173005 (2003)