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Journal of Physics Conference Series

Matter-wave interferometry from near-field to far-field diffraction

Sorakrai Srisuphaphon, Wipawee Temnuch, Sitti Buathong, Sarayut Deachapunya

Published Nov 1, 2019• 2 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Abstract A simplified explanation of near-field and far-field diffraction with matter-wave is described using the path integral formulation. Our approach is demonstrated with cold Rb atoms in single-, double-, and multiple-slit configurations. With the use of an initial wave for the particle beam that corresponds to the slit opening and the number of slits, the transition from near-field to far-field diffraction can also be explored. Identifying the boundary between near-field and far-field diffraction is the first priority for implementing matter-wave diffraction experiments.

DOI
10.1088/1742-6596/1380/1/012083

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Abstract A simplified explanation of near-field and far-field diffraction with matter-wave is described using the path integral formulation. Our approach is demonstrated with cold Rb atoms in single-, double-, and multiple-slit configurations. With the use of an initial wave for the particle beam that corresponds to the slit opening and the number of slits, the transition from near-field to far-field diffraction can also be explored. Identifying the boundary between near-field and far-field diffraction is the first priority for implementing matter-wave diffraction experiments.
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Abstract In this paper propagation of matter wave of particles is modeled using the Fourier optics approach. In first step the Schrödinger equation of quantum mechanics is used to find the wave function of the particle. In the second step Fourier optics is employed to model the diffraction of the wave function of the particle through single and double slits. The results of the calculations are presented as graphs of diffraction patterns. The results of the presented method are compared to the existing results in the literature (with different methods) to check the validity of the introduced model. It is shown that the Fourier optics approach is applicable to matter wave of particles in diffraction through slits.
Summary. — This chapter reviews recent experiments on matter wave interferometry with large molecules. Starting from an elementary introduction to matter wave physics we discuss far-field diffraction and near-field interferometry with thermally excited many-body systems. We describe the constraints imposed by decoherence and dephasing effects, and present an outlook to the future challenges in macromolecule and cluster interferometry. PACS 03.75.-b – Matter waves. 1. – Historical introduction and overview The year 1923 is generally considered as the year of birth of matter wave physics. It is the year when Louis de Broglie proposed the idea that each material particle is accompanied by an oscillatory phenomenon [1]. De Broglie based his hypothesis on two discoveries: the energy-frequency equivalence for photons, E = ¯hω, and the energy-mass equivalence for matter, E = mc 2. While the first relation had already been central to Planck’s explanation of the black body spectrum [2] and to Einstein’s analysis of the photo effect [3], the latter was a consequence of Einstein’s theory of special relativity.