Optically guided linear Mach-Zehnder atom interferometer

Date

2013

Authors

McDonald, Gordon
Keal, Hannah
Altin, Paul
Debs, John
Bennetts, Shayne
Noschang Kuhn, Carlos
Hardman, Kyle
Johnsson, Mattias
Close, John
Robins, Nicholas

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

American Physical Society

Abstract

We demonstrate a horizontal, linearly guided Mach-Zehnder atom interferometer in an optical waveguide. Intended as a proof-of-principle experiment, the interferometer utilizes a Bose-Einstein condensate in the magnetically insensitive F=1,mF=0 state of 87Rb as an acceleration-sensitive test mass. We achieve a modest sensitivity to acceleration of Δa=7×10-4 m/s2. Our fringe visibility is as high as 38% in this optically guided atom interferometer. We observe a time of flight in the waveguide of over 0.5 s, demonstrating the utility of our optical guide for future sensors.

Description

Keywords

Keywords: Atom interferometer; Bose-Einstein condensates; Fringe visibilities; Mach-Zehnder; Proof-of-principle experiments; Time of flight; Rubidium; Statistical mechanics; Interferometers

Citation

Source

Physical Review A: Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics

Type

Journal article

Book Title

Entity type

Access Statement

Open Access

License Rights

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