In attempts to unify all fundamental forces in a single quantum consistent theory, it has been suggested that Lorentz invariance is violated. Researchers at the QUEST institute at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) have investigated this principle in a single trapped Yb+ ion with world-record sensitivity. Using a highly robust radio-frequency (rf) composite pulse sequence, Ramsey spectroscopy on spatially oriented atomic orbitals was realized with a second-long interrogation time. A five-week long measurement campaign revealed no significant effect stemming from Lorentz violation, but new bounds could be set at unprecedented levels of accuracy. A further improvement in sensitivity can be made in the future by scaling to multiple ions in a Coulomb crystal. The results were presented in Nature Communications.
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Original publication:
Laura S. Dreissen, Chih-Han Yeh, Henning A. Fürst, Kai C. Grensemann, Tanja E. Mehlstäubler
Improved bounds on Lorentz violation from composite pulse Ramsey spectroscopy in a trapped ion
Nature Communications 13, 7314 (2022)
