Atom interferometery on ground and in space

Christian Schubert, Ernst Maria Rasel, Naceur Gaaloul +1 more

Nassim Zahzam, Bruno Christophe, Alexandre Bresson +12 more

Ernst Maria Rasel

M. S. Shahriar

Antje Neumann, R. Walser

Atom interferometry provides the opportunity of high-precision measurements of rotation and acceleration [1]. Therefore atoms are the ultimate quantum sensors. In the configuration of an atom interferometer they provide the opportunity of high-precision rotation and acceleration sensing. Potential applications range from the further understanding of fundamental physics to inertial navigation and geological exploration. In the QUANTUS freefall experiments atom interferometery is the central method as well [2].

C. S. Unnikrishnan

We identify the physical origin of the loss of interference pattern in the which-path atom-interferometery experiments that have been discussed widely. The origin of complementarity between the which-path information and the interference pattern is a discrete spinor phase with random sign. This clarifies how complementarity can arise without the Heisenberg back action in momentum.