An Aubry-André localized optical lattice clock

Abstract

Optical lattice clocks in space could improve satellite navigation systems and enable new tests of fundamental physics, including gravitational-wave detection and tests of relativity. In microgravity, atoms can tunnel to degenerate neighboring lattice sites, broadening the clock transition and limiting coherence times. We demonstrate Aubry-André localization in a bichromatic optical lattice formed by two magic-wavelength lasers, suppressing tunneling in a horizontal lattice clock emulating free fall. We recover a Fourier-limited clock Rabi spectrum and measure Ramsey coherence times of up to 2 s in shallow lattices, with up to 100-fold improvement over the delocalized regime. These results establish Aubry-André localization as a practical route to controlling tunneling in future space-based clocks, and open a path to operating terrestrial clocks at shallower lattice depths.