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Frontiers in Optics

Quantum Interference of Clusters and Large Molecules

Nadine Dörre

Published Jan 1, 2013• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

I will discuss recent advances in matter-wave experiments which exploit the quantum delocalization of nanoparticles. De Broglie wave interferometers allow tests of the quantum superposition principle for mesoscopic objects and new avenues to molecule metrology.
DOI
10.1364/fio.2013.fs1a.3

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We present matter-wave interferometry as a tool to advance spectroscopy for a wide class of nanoparticles, clusters and molecules. The high sensitivity of de Broglie interference fringes to external perturbations enables measurements in the limit of an individual particle absorbing only a single photon on average, or even no photon at all. The method allows one to extract structural and electronic information from the loss of the interference contrast. It is minimally invasive and works even for dilute ensembles.
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Abstract We present matter-wave interferometry as a tool to advance spectroscopy for a wide class of nanoparticles, clusters and molecules. The high sensitivity of de Broglie interference fringes to external perturbations enables measurements in the limit of an individual particle absorbing only a single photon on average, or even no photon at all. The method allows one to extract structural and electronic information from the loss of the interference contrast. It is minimally invasive and works even for dilute ensembles.