Rosen-Zener interferometry with Ultracold Atoms

TL;DR

This paper introduces a time-domain interferometer using ultracold Bose atoms in a double well, demonstrating interference fringes sensitive to initial states, interactions, and external forces for potential precision measurements.

Contribution

It proposes a novel Rosen-Zener interferometry scheme with ultracold atoms, revealing its mechanism and potential for high-precision sensing.

Findings

Interference fringes depend on initial state and interactions

External forces alter fringe patterns

Potential for precision measurement applications

Abstract

We propose a time-domain "interferometer" based on ultracold Bose atoms loaded on a double well potential. By the adiabatic Rosen-Zener process, the barrier between two wells is ramped down slowly, held for a while, then ramped back. Starting with a coherent state of double well system, the final occupations on one well show interesting interference fringes in the time-domain. The fringe pattern is sensitive to the initial state, the interatomic interaction, and the external forces such as gravity which can change the shape of the double well. In this sense, this interferometric scheme has the potentials for precision measurements with ultracold atoms. The underlying mechanism is revealed and possible applications are discussed.