Contrast and phase-shift of a trapped atom interferometer using a thermal ensemble with internal state labelling. (4th November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dupont-Nivet, M; Westbrook, C I; Schwartz, S
• Is Part Of: New journal of physics. Volume 18:Number 11(2016:Nov.)
• Publication Date: 2016-11-04
• Subjects: shortcut to adiabaticity -- atomic interferometry -- internal state labelling interferometer -- ultra-cold thermal atoms; Physics -- Periodicals; Physics; Periodicals; 530.05
• DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/18/11/113012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1367-2630

Abstract

Abstract: We report a theoretical study of a double-well Ramsey interferometer using internal state labelling. We consider the use of a thermal ensemble of cold atoms rather than a Bose–Einstein condensate to minimise the effects of atomic interactions. To maintain a satisfactory level of coherence in this case, a high degree of symmetry is required between the two arms of the interferometer. Assuming that the splitting and recombination processes are adiabatic, we theoretically derive the phase-shift and the contrast of such an interferometer in the presence of a gravity or an acceleration field. We also consider using a 'shortcut to adiabaticity' protocol to speed up the splitting process and discuss how such a procedure affects the phase shift and contrast. We find that the two procedures lead to phase-shifts of the same form.