Quantum projection noise limited interferometry with coherent atoms in a Ramsey type setup

Date

2010

Authors

Doering, Daniel
McDonald, Gordon
Debs, John
Figl, Cristina
Altin, Paul
Bachor, Hans
Robins, Nicholas
Close, John

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

American Physical Society

Abstract

Every measurement of the population in an uncorrelated ensemble of two-level systems is limited by what is known as the quantum projection noise limit. Here, we present quantum-projection-noise-limited performance of a Ramsey-type interferometer using freely propagating coherent atoms. The experimental setup is based on an electro-optic modulator in an inherently stable Sagnac interferometer, optically coupling the two interfering atomic states via a two-photon Raman transition. Going beyond the quantum projection noise limit requires the use of reduced quantum uncertainty (squeezed) states. The experiment described demonstrates atom interferometry at the fundamental noise level and allows the observation of possible squeezing effects in an atom laser, potentially leading to improved sensitivity in atom interferometers.

Description

Keywords

Atom interferometer, Atom interferometry, Atom laser, Atomic state, Electro-optic modulators, Experimental setup, Fundamental noise, Noise limit, Raman transition, Sagnac interferometer, Squeezing effect, Two photon, Two-level system, Electrooptical devic

Citation

Source

Physical Review A: Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics

Type

Journal article

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Restricted until

2037-12-31