Vibrational dephasing in matter-wave interferometers

TL;DR

This paper presents a novel method combining second-order correlation theory and Fourier analysis to accurately characterize and mitigate vibrational dephasing in matter-wave interferometers, enhancing their precision and robustness.

Contribution

The authors develop a new numerical approach to identify and analyze vibrational frequencies affecting matter-wave interferometers, improving dephasing characterization under broad frequency disturbances.

Findings

Successfully characterizes vibrational spectra between 100-1000 Hz

Reveals original interference contrast from disturbed patterns

Reduces damping and shielding needs for interferometers

Abstract

Matter-wave interferometry is a highly sensitive tool to measure small perturbations in a quantum system. This property allows the creation of precision sensors for dephasing mechanisms such as mechanical vibrations. They are a challenge for phase measurements under perturbing conditions that cannot be perfectly decoupled from the interferometer, e.g. for mobile interferometric devices or vibrations with a broad frequency range. Here, we demonstrate a method based on second-order correlation theory in combination with Fourier analysis, to use an electron interferometer as a sensor that precisely characterizes the mechanical vibration spectrum of the interferometer. Using the high spatial and temporal single-particle resolution of a delay line detector, the data allows to reveal the original contrast and spatial periodicity of the interference pattern from "washed-out" matter-wave interferograms that have been vibrationally disturbed in the frequency region between 100 and 1000 Hz. Other than with electromagnetic dephasing, due to excitations of higher harmonics and additional frequencies induced from the environment, the parts in the setup oscillate with frequencies that can be different to the applied ones. The developed numerical search algorithm is capable to determine those unknown oscillations and corresponding amplitudes. The technique can identify vibrational dephasing and decrease damping and shielding requirements in electron, ion, neutron, atom and molecule interferometers that generate a spatial fringe pattern on the detector plane.