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arXiv:physics/0501057 · Physical Review A

Diffraction-contrast imaging of cold atoms

Lincoln D. Turner, K.F.E.M. Domen, Robert E Scholten

Published Sep 15, 2005• 46 citations
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Abstract

We consider the inverse problem of in-line holography, applied to minimally destructive imaging of cold atom clouds. Absorption imaging near resonance provides a simple, but destructive measurement of atom column density. Imaging off resonance greatly reduces heating, and sequential images may be taken. Under the conditions required for off-resonant imaging, the generally intractable inverse problem may be linearized. A minimally destructive, quantitative and high-resolution image of the atom cloud column density is then retrieved from a single diffraction pattern.

DOI
10.1103/physreva.72.031403

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We consider the inverse problem of in-line holography, applied to minimally destructive imaging of cold atom clouds. Absorption imaging near resonance provides a simple, but destructive measurement of atom column density. Imaging off resonance greatly reduces heating, and sequential images may be taken. Under the conditions required for off-resonant imaging, the generally intractable inverse problem may be linearized. A minimally destructive, quantitative and high-resolution image of the atom cloud column density is then retrieved from a single diffraction pattern.
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