München 2004 – scientific programme

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Q: Quantenoptik und Photonik

Q 51: Quantengase IV

Q 51.8: Talk

Friday, March 26, 2004, 12:45–13:00, HS 225

Towards single-atom detection in an atom laser beam — •Anton Öttl, Stephan Ritter, Michael Köhl, and Tilman Esslinger — Institut für Quantenelektronik, ETH Zürich, CH-8093 Zürich

We are currently setting up an experiment that will allow us to measure the coherence properties of an atom laser beam, in particular higher order correlation functions. The temporal two particle correlation function is expected to change upon crossing the phase-transition from a thermal to a quantum degenerate atomic sample. In order to investigate this signature, time-resolved single-atom detection is an essential prerequisite. We will employ a method of Cavity QED where the presence of a single atom inside an ultra-high finesse optical resonator is probed via a weak near-resonant laser beam.

Our new experimental setup focuses on the production of an 87Rb Bose-Einstein condensate close to a high-finesse cavity. The atom laser beam will be continuously output coupled from the condensate and directed into the gap between the two cavity mirrors. The current status of the experiment will be reviewed.