Hannover 2020 – scientific programme

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Q: Fachverband Quantenoptik und Photonik

Q 54: Posters: Quantum Optics and Photonics IV

Q 54.3: Poster

Thursday, March 12, 2020, 16:30–18:30, Empore Lichthof

From idealized to realistic atomic beam splitters - theoretical studies in 3D — •Antje Neumann and Reinhold Walser — Technische Universität Darmstadt, Germany

We analyze the response and aberrations of atomic beam splitters with spatio-temporal laser beam envelopes in three dimensions.

Atomic beam splitters are a central component of matter-wave interferometers, which provide the opportunity of high-precision rotation and acceleration sensing. Therefore, ultracold atoms are the ultimate quantum sensors. Potential applications range from tests of fundamental physics to inertial navigation. In the QUANTUS (Quantum Gases in Microgravity) free-fall experiments atom interferometry is the central method as well [1].

Like optical systems matter-wave devices require exact specifications and ubiquitous imperfections need to be quantified. Therefore, we study the performance of 3D atomic beam splitters in the velocity selective quasi Bragg configuration numerically as well as analytically, finally confirmed by experimental data [2]. We characterize the non-ideal behavior due to spatial variations of the laser beam profiles and wave front curvatures, regarding realistic Gaussian laser beams instead of ideal plane waves. Especially, we study the effect of slightly decentered and tilted lasers. Different temporal pulse shapes are considered.

This work is supported by the German Aeronautics and Space Administration (DLR) through grant 50 WM 1957.

[1] D. Becker et al., Nature 562, 391-395 (2018)

[2] M. Gebbe, Universität Bremen, Zarm, private communication.