Ultracold Atoms for Foundational Tests of Quantum Mechanics

This thesis presents a theoretical investigation into the creation and exploitation of quantum correlations and entanglement among ultracold atoms. Specifically, it focuses on these non-classical effects in two contexts: (i) tests of local realism with massive particles, e.g., violations of a Bell inequality and the EPR paradox, and (ii) realization of quantum technology by exploitation of entanglement, for example quantum-enhanced metrology. In particular, the work presented in this thesis emphasizes the possibility of demonstrating and characterizing entanglement in realistic experiments, beyond the simple toy-models often discussed in the literature. The importance and relevance of this thesis are reflected in a spate of recent publications regarding experimental demonstrations of the atomic Hong-Ou-Mandel effect, observation of EPR entanglement with massive particles and a demonstration of an atomic SU(1,1) interferometer. With a separate chapter on each of these systems, this thesis is at the forefront of current research in ultracold atomic physics.

Nominated as an outstanding Ph.D. thesis by the The University of Queensland, Australia Provides a strong theoretical background to the generation, characterization and exploitation of quantum correlations and entanglement, with a particular focus on quantum-atom optics Presents a comprehensive theoretical analysis of novel, experimentally realistic proposals to demonstrate non-classical phenomena such as the Hong-Ou-Mandel effect and violation of a Bell inequality with matter waves Offers a detailed introduction to phase-space methods and their use in simulating the non-equilibrium dynamics of large quantum many-body systems Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Autorentext

Robert Lewis-Swan obtained his Bachelors degree in science from University of Queensland, Australia in 2011 and was consequently awarded a prestigious University Medal. He continued his education at University of Queensland, pursuing a PhD in ultracold atomic physics under the supervision of A/Prof. Karen Kheruntsyan and graduating in 2015. His research interests include the study of non-equilibrium many-body dynamics, specifically the novel physics currently being explored in analogue quantum simulators, along with the generation, characterization and exploitation of entanglement and non-classical correlations in developing quantum technology.

Inhalt
Introduction.- Background I: Physical Systems.- Background II: Phase-space Methods.- Proposal for Demonstrating the Hong-Ou-Mandel Eect with Matter Waves.- Proposal for a Motional-state Bell Inequality Test with Ultracold Atoms.- Sensitivity to Thermal Noise of Atomic Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen Entanglement.- An Atomic SU(1,1) Interferometer Via Spin-changing Collisions.- On the Relation of the Particle Number Distribution of Stochastic Wigner Trajectories and Experimental Realizations.- Conclusion.