Atom Interferometric Imaging of Differential Potentials Using an Atom Laser

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates atom interferometry using an atom laser to image optical and magnetic potential landscapes over a large area, employing advanced pulse sequences for enhanced imaging of steep gradients.

Contribution

It introduces a novel application of atom interferometry with an atom laser for high-resolution potential landscape imaging, including advanced pulse techniques.

Findings

Imaged optical and magnetic potentials over 240 μm x 600 μm area

Used Ramsey pulse sequences to visualize phase imprints

Enhanced imaging of steep potential gradients

Abstract

Interferometry is a prime technique for modern precision measurements. Atoms, unlike light, have significant interactions with electric, magnetic, and gravitational fields, making their use in interferometric applications particularly versatile. Here, we demonstrate atom interferometry to image optical and magnetic potential landscapes over an area exceeding $240 \mu m \times 600 \mu m$. The differential potentials employed in our experiments generate phase imprints in an atom laser that are made visible through a Ramsey pulse sequence. We further demonstrate how advanced pulse sequences can enhance desired imaging features, e.g. to image steep potential gradients. A theoretical discussion is presented that provides a semiclassical analysis and matching numerics.