Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

arXiv:quant-ph/0211192 · Physical Review A

Diffraction phases in atom interferometers

M Büchner, R. Delhuille, Alain Miffre, C. Mennerat-Robilliard, J. Vigué, C. Champenois

Published Jul 16, 2003• 40 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

Diffraction of atoms by lasers is a very important tool for matter wave optics. Although the process is well understood, the phase shifts induced by this diffraction process are not well known. In this paper, we make analytical calculations of these phase shifts in some simple cases and use these results to model the contrast interferometer recently built by Pritchard and co-workers. We thus show that the values of the diffraction phases are large and that they probably contribute to the phase noise observed in this experiment.

DOI
10.1103/physreva.68.013607

Related papers

Diffraction phases in atom interferometry

M Büchner, R. Delhuille, Alain Miffre +3 more

\nUsing Bloch states to describe atomic motion, we show how to calculate the phase shifts associated to atomic diffraction by a laser standing wave and we illustrate our calculation by the evaluation of the phase shifts in the contrast interferometer developed by D. Pritchard and co-workers [Phys. Rev. Lett. 89, 140401 (2002)].\n

Journal de Physique IV (Proceedings)•Nov 1, 2004•0 citations

Phase noise due to vibrations in Mach-Zehnder atom interferometers

Alain Miffre, Marion Jacquey, M Büchner +2 more

Atom interferometers are very sensitive to accelerations and rotations. This property, which has some very interesting applications, induces a deleterious phase noise due to the seismic noise of the laboratory and this phase noise is sufficiently large to reduce the fringe visibility in many experiments. We develop a model calculation of this phase noise in the case of Mach-Zehnder atom interferometers and we apply this model to our thermal lithium interferometer. We are able to explain the observed phase noise which has been detected through the rapid dependence of the fringe visibility with the diffraction order. We think that the dynamical model developed in the present paper should be very useful to reduce the vibration induced phase noise in atom interferometers, making many new experiments feasible.

arXiv:quant-ph/0604028•Apr 5, 2006•6 citations

Vibration induced phase noise in Mach-Zehnder atom interferometers

Alain Miffre, Marion Jacquey, M Büchner +2 more

The high inertial sensitivity of atom interferometers has been used to build accelerometers and gyrometers but this sensitivity makes these interferometers very sensitive to the laboratory seismic noise. This seismic noise induces a phase noise which is large enough to reduce the fringe visibility in many cases. We develop here a model calculation of this phase noise in the case of Mach-Zehnder atom interferometers and we apply this model to our thermal lithium interferometer. We are thus able to explain the observed dependence of the fringe visibility with the diffraction order. The dynamical model developed in the present paper should be very useful to further reduce this phase noise in atom interferometers and this reduction should open the way to improved interferometers.

•Apr 5, 2006•8 citations

Using atom optics to measure van der Waals atom-surface interactions

John D. Perreault

Atom-surface interactions are becoming an integral part of the field of atom optics. Here the role of van der Waals atom-surface interactions in atom wave diffraction and interferometry are investigated. In particular, it is shown that van der Waals interactions influence the intensity and phase of atomic diffraction patterns obtained from material gratings. As a result the atomic diffraction patterns are utilized to make an accurate determination of the interaction strength and verify the spatial variation of the atom-surface potential. A theory for describing the modified atom wave diffraction patterns is developed through an analogy with optical waves. An atom interferometer is used to directly measure the de Broglie wave phase shift induced by atom-surface interactions. More specifically, the phases of the zeroth, first, and second diffraction orders are measured. A proposal for using electromagnetic fields to modify the van der Waals interaction is put forth. Several of the important experimental components for observing such an effect are also demonstrated.

•Jan 1, 2005•0 citations

Measurement of atomic diffraction phases induced by material gratings

John D. Perreault, Alexander D. Cronin

Atom-surface interactions can significantly modify the intensity and phase of atom de Broglie waves diffracted by a silicon nitride grating. This affects the operation of a material grating as a coherent beam splitter. The phase shifts induced by diffraction are measured by comparing the relative phases of several interfering paths in a Mach-Zehnder Na atom interferometer formed by three material gratings. The values of the diffraction phases are consistent with a simple model which includes a van der Waals atom-surface interaction between the Na atoms and the silicon nitride grating bars.

arXiv:physics/0508196•Physical Review A•Mar 15, 2006•17 citations

Analysis of a material phase shifting element in an atom interferometer

John D. Perreault, Alexander D. Cronin

The interaction of Na atoms with a surface was probed by inserting a nanofabricated material grating into one arm of an atom interferometer (IFM). This technique permits a direct measurement of the change in phase and coherence of matter waves as they pass within 25 nm of the grating bar surface. The practical concerns and challenges of making such a measurement are discussed here. Interference of spurious diffraction orders, IFM path overlap, and the partial obscuration of IFM beams are all important aspects of this experiment. The systematic effects that contribute to the measured phase shift and contrast are discussed.

arXiv:physics/0506090•Journal of Physics Conference Series•Jan 1, 2005•3 citations
Diffraction of atoms by lasers is a very important tool for matter wave optics. Although the process is well understood, the phase shifts induced by this diffraction process are not well known. In this paper, we make analytical calculations of these phase shifts in some simple cases and use these results to model the contrast interferometer recently built by Pritchard and co-workers. We thus show that the values of the diffraction phases are large and that they probably contribute to the phase noise observed in this experiment.
Atom interferometers are very sensitive to accelerations and rotations. This property, which has some very interesting applications, induces a deleterious phase noise due to the seismic noise of the laboratory and this phase noise is sufficiently large to reduce the fringe visibility in many experiments. We develop a model calculation of this phase noise in the case of Mach-Zehnder atom interferometers and we apply this model to our thermal lithium interferometer. We are able to explain the observed phase noise which has been detected through the rapid dependence of the fringe visibility with the diffraction order. We think that the dynamical model developed in the present paper should be very useful to reduce the vibration induced phase noise in atom interferometers, making many new experiments feasible.
The high inertial sensitivity of atom interferometers has been used to build accelerometers and gyrometers but this sensitivity makes these interferometers very sensitive to the laboratory seismic noise. This seismic noise induces a phase noise which is large enough to reduce the fringe visibility in many cases. We develop here a model calculation of this phase noise in the case of Mach-Zehnder atom interferometers and we apply this model to our thermal lithium interferometer. We are thus able to explain the observed dependence of the fringe visibility with the diffraction order. The dynamical model developed in the present paper should be very useful to further reduce this phase noise in atom interferometers and this reduction should open the way to improved interferometers.
Atom-surface interactions are becoming an integral part of the field of atom optics. Here the role of van der Waals atom-surface interactions in atom wave diffraction and interferometry are investigated. In particular, it is shown that van der Waals interactions influence the intensity and phase of atomic diffraction patterns obtained from material gratings. As a result the atomic diffraction patterns are utilized to make an accurate determination of the interaction strength and verify the spatial variation of the atom-surface potential. A theory for describing the modified atom wave diffraction patterns is developed through an analogy with optical waves. An atom interferometer is used to directly measure the de Broglie wave phase shift induced by atom-surface interactions. More specifically, the phases of the zeroth, first, and second diffraction orders are measured. A proposal for using electromagnetic fields to modify the van der Waals interaction is put forth. Several of the important experimental components for observing such an effect are also demonstrated.
Atom-surface interactions can significantly modify the intensity and phase of atom de Broglie waves diffracted by a silicon nitride grating. This affects the operation of a material grating as a coherent beam splitter. The phase shifts induced by diffraction are measured by comparing the relative phases of several interfering paths in a Mach-Zehnder Na atom interferometer formed by three material gratings. The values of the diffraction phases are consistent with a simple model which includes a van der Waals atom-surface interaction between the Na atoms and the silicon nitride grating bars.
The interaction of Na atoms with a surface was probed by inserting a nanofabricated material grating into one arm of an atom interferometer (IFM). This technique permits a direct measurement of the change in phase and coherence of matter waves as they pass within 25 nm of the grating bar surface. The practical concerns and challenges of making such a measurement are discussed here. Interference of spurious diffraction orders, IFM path overlap, and the partial obscuration of IFM beams are all important aspects of this experiment. The systematic effects that contribute to the measured phase shift and contrast are discussed.