Andersen, M.
and Sleator, T.
(2009),
Lattice Interferometer for Ultra-Cold Atoms, Physical Review Letters, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=842609
(Accessed October 3, 2024)
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Lattice Interferometer for Ultra-Cold Atoms
Published
Author(s)
, Tycho Sleator
Abstract
We demonstrate an atomic interferometer based on ultra-cold atoms released from an optical lattice. This technique yields a large improvement in signal to noise over a related interferometer previously demonstrated. The interferometer involves diffraction of the atoms using a pulsed optical lattice. For short pulses a simple analytical theory predicts the expected signal. We investigate the interferometer for both short pulses and longer pulses where the analytical theory break down. Longer pulses can improve the precision and signal size. For specific pulse lengths we observe a coherent signal at times that differs greatly from what is expected from the short pulse model. The interferometric signal also reveals information about the dynamics of the atoms in the lattice. We investigate the application of the interferometer for a measurement of h/mA that together with other well known constants constitutes a measurement of the fine structure constant.Citation
Physical Review Letters
Volume
103
Issue
7
Pub Type
Journals
Download Paper
Keywords
atomic interferometry, atomic recoil, fine structure, optical lattice, Talbot time
Citation
Issues
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Created August 11, 2009, Updated February 19, 2017