A Compact Continuous Superradiant Clock on the mHz strontium line

Optical atomic clocks can measure time with an uncertainty on the order of just a few seconds over the age of the universe.

Measurement with this level of precision has far-reaching applications, from the measurement of minute changes in the fundamental physics constants revealing physics beyond the Standard Model, to technological advances in navigation and network synchronization.

To unlock the full potential of atomic clocks, we must minimize the dependence on the precision of an external optical resonator and miniaturize the experimental apparatus required, allowing for field-deployability.

In this project, I will realize the first ever continuous superradiant laser based on 88-Sr atoms, theoretically proposed to reach a linewidth even smaller than the ultra-narrow natural linewidth of the clock transition in strontium.

I will then use the continuous superradiant laser as the basis for the first ever continuous superradiant optical clock, minimizing uncertainties due to the Dick effect.

Further, during the fellowship I will use my previous experience with compact cold atom systems to miniaturize the experimental apparatus as a step towards a compact continuous superradiant clock.