Collisional decoherence in trapped atom interferometers that use non-degenerate sources

TL;DR

This paper develops an analytic model to understand how atomic collisions affect the coherence time of trapped atom interferometers using non-degenerate gases, and verifies it with Monte-Carlo simulations.

Contribution

It introduces a new analytic model for collisional decoherence in non-degenerate trapped atom interferometers and identifies optimal operating conditions.

Findings

The model accurately predicts decoherence effects due to collisions.

Optimal conditions for maximizing coherence time are identified.

Monte-Carlo simulations confirm the model's predictions.

Abstract

The coherence time, and thus sensitivity, of trapped atom interferometers that use non-degenerate gasses are limited by the collisions between the atoms. An analytic model that describes the effects of collisions between atoms in an interferometer is developed. It is then applied to an interferometer using a harmonically trapped non-degenerate atomic gas that is manipulated with a single set of standing wave laser pulses. The model is used to find the optimal operating conditions of the interferometer and direct Monte-Carlo simulation of the interferometer is used to verify the analytic model.