Team

Optics and atom interferometry

Scientific activity

An atom placed in front of a surface is a simple but fundamental problem in physics. On the one hand, it enables quantum electrodynamics to be tested, and on the other, it is important for the study of nanotechnological devices and quantum technologies. In particular, the interaction between the atom and vacuum electromagnetic field fluctuations, which are modified by the presence of the surface, induces a force on the atom. This force is called the Casimir-Polder (C-P) force.

This atom-surface force is the dominant force at the nanoscale. It therefore plays an important role in many fields and interfaces of physics, such as atomic physics, biophysics and physical chemistry. Understanding this force is essential for exploring new physics involving an atom and a material.

In this context, our team has constructed a slow jet of atoms and is studying the transmission diffraction of these atoms through a nano-grating. Our approach enables us to probe the C-P interaction for typical distances of the order of several tens of nanometers.

© OIA Team

Figure: Schematic diagram of the experiment. Argon atoms interact with the nanorod rods via the C-P potential. This interaction modifies the diffraction pattern. It is therefore possible to extract information on the C-P potential from its analysis.