Single-atom detection with a quantum-controlled mechanical oscillator

Abstract:Using supersonic expansion, we create a time-gated, directional beam of Xe atoms with a narrow momentum distribution and detect their collisions with a levitated nanosphere cooled to its quantum ground state. We observe individual momentum kicks below 50 keV/c with 96% confidence and distinguish directional momentum transfer from the atomic beam against the background of thermal collisions. Our experiments constitute a first step toward the exploration of distance-dependent short-range interactions between atoms and levitated systems, as well as toward the use of levitated platforms for impulsive force sensing in previously unexplored parameter regimes.

Quantum Physics (quant-ph); Applied Physics (physics.app-ph); Atomic Physics (physics.atom-ph); Optics (physics.optics)

arXiv:2608.17656 [quant-ph]

(or arXiv:2608.17656v1 [quant-ph] for this version)

https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2608.17656 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite (pending registration)

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