Quantum correlations and atomic speckle

Abstract

Here we utilize the single-atom detection capability of metastable helium to measure the second-order and third-order correlation functions for ensembles of ultracold atoms. We then extend these measurements to characterize the quantum statistics of atoms guided in a dipole potential. By appropriately loading atoms into the guide we are able to populate a selected number of guided modes, ranging from the majority of atoms in the lowest order mode (a BEC), to multi-mode guiding (equivalent to a thermal source). The guided BEC was characterised by a smooth gaussian transverse spatial profile, and a second-order correlation value of unity consistent with a coherent source. For multi-mode guiding, the matter-wave equivalent of speckle was observed. Furthermore, at short arrival times, the second-order correlation function was greater than unity, corresponding to atom bunching characteristic of an incoherent (thermal) source.