Using a three-path contrast interferometer (CI) geometry and laser-pulse diffraction gratings, we create a matter-wave interferometer with ytterbium (Yb) atoms. We present advances in contrast interferometry relevant to high-precision measurements. By comparing to a traditional atom interferometer, we demonstrate the immunity of the CI to vibrations for long interaction times ( $>20\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}\mathrm{ms}$ ). We characterize and demonstrate control over the two largest systematic effects for a high-precision measurement of the fine-structure constant via photon recoil with our interferometer: diffraction phases and atomic interactions. Diffraction phases are an important systematic for most interferometers using large-momentum transfer beam splitters; atomic interactions are a key concern for any Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) interferometer. Finally, we consider the prospects for a future subpart per billion photon recoil measurement using a Yb CI.Using a three-path contrast interferometer (CI) geometry and laser-pulse diffraction gratings, we create a matter-wave interferometer with ytterbium (Yb) atoms. We present advances in contrast interferometry relevant to high-precision measurements. By comparing to a traditional atom interferometer, we demonstrate the immunity of the CI to vibrations for long interaction times ($>20\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}\mathrm{ms}$). We characterize and demonstrate control over the two largest systematic effects for a high-precision measurement of the fine-structure constant via photon recoil with our interferometer: diffraction phases and atomic interactions. Diffraction phases are an important systematic for most interferometers using large-momentum transfer beam splitters; atomic interactions are a key concern for any Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) interferometer. Finally, we consider the prospects for a future subpart per billion photon recoil measurement using a Yb CI.

arXiv:1404.6028Physical Review ADec 1, 201438 citations

Atomic Interaction Effects in Precision Bose-Einstein Condensate Interferometry

Alan O. Jamison, J. Nathan Kutz, V. V. Ivanov +4 more

Bulletin of the American Physical SocietyJun 17, 20110 citations

Mach-Zehnder Bragg interferometer for a Bose-Einstein condensate

Yoshio Torii, Yoichi Suzuki, Mikio Kozuma +4 more

We construct a Mach-Zehnder interferometer using Bose-Einstein condensed rubidium atoms and optical Bragg diffraction. In contrast to interferometers based on normal diffraction, where only a small percentage of the atoms contribute to the signal, our Bragg diffraction interferometer uses all the condensate atoms. The condensate coherence properties and high phase-space density result in an interference pattern of nearly 100% contrast. The two arms of the interferometer may be completely separated in space, making it an ideal tool that can be used to detect vortices or other topological condensate phases.We construct a Mach-Zehnder interferometer using Bose-Einstein condensed rubidium atoms and optical Bragg diffraction. In contrast to interferometers based on normal diffraction, where only a small percentage of the atoms contribute to the signal, our Bragg diffraction interferometer uses all the condensate atoms. The condensate coherence properties and high phase-space density result in an interference pattern of nearly 100% contrast. The two arms of the interferometer may be completely separated in space, making it an ideal tool that can be used to detect vortices or other topological condensate phases.

arXiv:cond-mat/9908160Physical Review AFeb 28, 2000136 citations

Towards Atom Interferometry using Bose-Einstein Condensates

Charles A. Sackett

Bulletin of the American Physical SocietyNov 11, 20050 citations

Atom-chip diffraction of Bose-Einstein condensates: The role of interatomic interactions

T. E. Judd, R. G. Scott, T. M. Fromhold

We use supercomputer simulations to show that interatomic interactions can strongly affect the phase evolution of Bose-Einstein condensates that are diffracted from atom chips, thereby explaining recent experiments. Interactions broaden and depopulate noncentral diffraction orders and so, counterintuitively, they actually reduce the spatial width of the diffracted cloud. This means that the experiments cannot be fully described by noninteracting theories and, consequently, interferometers that use many interacting atoms to enhance sensitivity require complex calibration. We identify device geometries required to approximate noninteracting behavior.We use supercomputer simulations to show that interatomic interactions can strongly affect the phase evolution of Bose-Einstein condensates that are diffracted from atom chips, thereby explaining recent experiments. Interactions broaden and depopulate noncentral diffraction orders and so, counterintuitively, they actually reduce the spatial width of the diffracted cloud. This means that the experiments cannot be fully described by noninteracting theories and, consequently, interferometers that use many interacting atoms to enhance sensitivity require complex calibration. We identify device geometries required to approximate noninteracting behavior.

arXiv:0805.1817Physical Review ANov 17, 200814 citations

>20\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}\mathrm{ms}

). We characterize and demonstrate control over the two largest systematic effects for a high-precision measurement of the fine-structure constant via photon recoil with our interferometer: diffraction phases and atomic interactions. Diffraction phases are an important systematic for most interferometers using large-momentum transfer beam splitters; atomic interactions are a key concern for any Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) interferometer. Finally, we consider the prospects for a future subpart per billion photon recoil measurement using a Yb CI.