科研之友
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摘要
We discuss techniques for probing the effects of a constant force acting on cold atoms using two configurations of a grating echo-type atom interferometer. Laser-cooled samples of (85)Rb with temperatures as low as 2.4 mu K have been achieved in a new experimental apparatus with a well-controlled magnetic environment. We demonstrate interferometer signal lifetimes approaching the transit time limit in this system (similar to 270 ms), which is comparable to the time scale achieved by Raman interferometers. Using these long time scales, we experimentally investigate the influence of a homogeneous magnetic field gradient using two-and three-pulse interferometers, which enable us to sense changes in externally applied magnetic field gradients as small as similar to 4 x 10(-5) G/cm. We also provide an improved theoretical description of signals generated by both interferometer configurations that accurately models experimental results. With this theory, absolute measurements of B gradients at the level of 3 x 10(-4) G/cm are achieved. Finally, we contrast the suitability of the two-and three-pulse interferometers for precision measurements of the gravitational acceleration, g.
- 出版日期2011-12-19
