Interferometry with Bose-Einstein Condensates in Microgravity

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a Bose-Einstein condensate-based atom interferometer in microgravity, showcasing its potential for fundamental physics tests and precision measurements in space-like conditions.

Contribution

First implementation of an asymmetric Mach-Zehnder interferometer with a Bose-Einstein condensate in microgravity, highlighting enhanced coherence and scalability.

Findings

Interference pattern similar to double-slit in far-field

Linear scaling of interference with wave packet expansion time

Enhanced signal achieved through delta-kick cooling

Abstract

Atom interferometers covering macroscopic domains of space-time are a spectacular manifestation of the wave nature of matter. Due to their unique coherence properties, Bose-Einstein condensates are ideal sources for an atom interferometer in extended free fall. In this paper we report on the realization of an asymmetric Mach-Zehnder interferometer operated with a Bose-Einstein condensate in microgravity. The resulting interference pattern is similar to the one in the far-field of a double-slit and shows a linear scaling with the time the wave packets expand. We employ delta-kick cooling in order to enhance the signal and extend our atom interferometer. Our experiments demonstrate the high potential of interferometers operated with quantum gases for probing the fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics and general relativity.