A space-based quantum gas laboratory at picokelvin energy scales

Abstract

Ultracold quantum gases are ideal sources for high-precision space-borne sensing as proposed for Earth observation, relativistic geodesy and tests of fundamental physical laws as well as for studying new phenomena in many-body physics extended free fall. By performing experiments with the Cold Atom Lab aboard the International Space Station, we have achieved exquisite control over the quantum state of single Bose-Einstein condensates paving the way for future high-precision measurements. In particular, we have applied fast transport protocols to shuttle the atomic cloud over a millimeter distance with sub-micrometer accuracy and subsequently drastically reduced the total expansion energy to below 100 pK with matterwave lensing techniques.