A multiple beam interferometer for Bose-Einstein condensates

✍ Scribed by F.S. Cataliotti

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2003
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 411 KB
• Volume: 51
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0015-8208
• DOI: 10.1002/prop.200310042

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

We condense ^87^Rb atoms in the combined potential of an optical standing wave superimposed on a harmonic magnetic trap. By releasing the atoms from the combined trap we realise a multiple beam atom interferometer. The measured atomic interferogram provides information about macroscopic coherence throughout the sample. The atomic distribution is characterised by interference peaks. The time evolution of the peaks, their relative population, as well as their radial size are in agreement with the predictions of theory. By a perturbation of the magnetic trap we induce an oscillating atomic current related to coherent tunnelling of the Bose‐Einstein condensates through the optical barriers. The frequency and amplitude of the oscillations are in agreement with a model based on the Josephson current‐phase relations.