Real-time, non-invasive local density probe of cold atoms

What is it about?

We present a non- invasive and a real-time detection technique to measure the local atomic density of cold 39K atomic cloud with a high spatial and temporal resolution. This helps us to track the density dynamics of the cold atomic cloud without perturbing the system, which is an important aspect in advancing quantum science. Upon validating this technique against conventional imaging methods like fluorescence, absorption etc., our results open new opportunities to probe complex, dynamically evolving quantum systems where symmetry assumptions or destructive techniques are not feasible.

Featured Image

Photo by JJ Ying on Unsplash

Photo by JJ Ying on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Local density measurements play an important role in understanding a wide range of quantum phenomena including quantum transport, spin and charge density waves, non-equilibrium dynamics, and spin-spin interactions. This is also crucial in exploring quantum phase transitions, quantum turbulence, and localization phenomena such as Anderson or many-body localization. Studies about impurity physics, polaron formation, and exotic quantum phases in optical lattices or Rydberg atom arrays can be facilitated using our method. Our technique portrays RDSNS as a easy-to-implement tool for cold atom experiments, offering broad applicability in studying inter-species interactions, transport phenomena, and quantum simulations. The method's precision and minimal perturbation make it a valuable alternative to conventional optical diagnostics for dynamically evolving ultracold systems.