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The results of theoretical and experimental studies aimed at the creation of matter wave interferometers with Mg atoms are presented. Atom-optical interferometers based on the Ramsey-Bordé scheme are of great interest for the development of optical frequency standards. Ultracold Mg atoms are promising for the development of an optical frequency standard with relative uncertainty and long-term frequency instability at a level of 10−17 − 10−18. A long-term frequency stability of 3·10−15 is obtained at an averaging time τ = 103 s while stabilizing the frequency of a ‘clock’ laser at 457 nm (1 S 0 → 3 P 1 transition) to narrow Ramsey-Bordé resonances of Mg atoms cooled and localized in a magneto-optical trap. The measured frequency stability is determined by the stability of the measurement system based on an optical frequency comb stabilized to the optical frequency of a Yb:YAG/I2 standard. We also present the results of theoretical studies aimed at the use of Mg atom interferometers based on Bragg diffraction for quantum sensing.

The results of saturated absorption spectroscopy of the intercombination 1 S 0 – 3 P 1 transition of magnesium atoms at 457 nm in an external absorption cell are presented. A laser system based on a Ti:Sa laser with frequency doubling in a LBO nonlinear crystal was used in these experiments. Saturated absorption resonances of magnesium in an external cell at the 1 S 0 – 3 P 1 transition have been obtained for the first time. Pressure broadening of resonances equal to 12.5±1.5 kHz/mTorr has been measured.