An atom interferometer with a shaken optical lattice

TL;DR

This paper presents a novel atom interferometer using a shaken optical lattice, where phase modulation controls atomic momentum states, enabling sensitive measurements and signal filtering.

Contribution

It introduces a new shaken lattice interferometry technique with optimized shaking sequences for enhanced control and sensing capabilities.

Findings

Demonstrates control of atomic momentum states via phase modulation

Achieves interferometry sequences with optimized shaking functions

Potential for sensitive inertial and signal detection

Abstract

We introduce shaken lattice interferometry with atoms trapped in a one-dimensional optical lattice. By phase modulating (shaking) the lattice, we control the momentum state of the atoms. Through a sequence of shaking functions, the atoms undergo an interferometer sequence of splitting, propagation, reflection, reverse propagation, and recombination. Each shaking function in the sequence is optimized with a genetic algorithm to achieve the desired momentum state transitions. As with conventional atom interferometers, the sensitivity of the shaken lattice interferometer increases with interrogation time. The shaken lattice interferometer may also be optimized to sense signals of interest while rejecting others, such as the measurement of an AC inertial signal in the presence of an unwanted DC signal.