Theory of near-field matter wave interference beyond the eikonal approximation

TL;DR

This paper develops a generalized theoretical framework for near-field matter wave interference that accounts for complex interactions and beam properties, extending beyond the traditional eikonal approximation to improve understanding of fringe visibility with massive particles.

Contribution

It introduces a combined semiclassical and phase space approach to systematically improve the eikonal approximation in matter wave interference theory.

Findings

Dispersion interactions significantly affect interference patterns.

The new model extends the validity of the eikonal approximation.

It provides a systematic way to analyze complex grating interactions.

Abstract

A generalized description of Talbot-Lau interference with matter waves is presented, which accounts for arbitrary grating interactions and realistic beam characteristics. The dispersion interaction between the beam particles and the optical elements strongly influences the interference pattern in this near-field effect, and it is known to dominate the fringe visibility if increasingly massive and complex particles are used. We provide a general description of the grating interaction process by combining semiclassical scattering theory with a phase space formulation. It serves to systematically improve the eikonal approximation used so far, and to assess its regime of validity.