Optically guided linear Mach-Zehnder atom interferometer

G. D. McDonald, H. Keal, P. A. Altin, J. E. Debs, S. Bennetts, C. C.N. Kuhn, K. S. Hardman, M. T. Johnsson, J. D. Close, N. P. Robins

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

36 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We demonstrate a horizontal, linearly guided Mach-Zehnder atom interferometer in an optical waveguide. Intended as a proof-of-principle experiment, the interferometer utilizes a Bose-Einstein condensate in the magnetically insensitive F=1,mF=0 state of 87Rb as an acceleration-sensitive test mass. We achieve a modest sensitivity to acceleration of Δa=7×10-4 m/s2. Our fringe visibility is as high as 38% in this optically guided atom interferometer. We observe a time of flight in the waveguide of over 0.5 s, demonstrating the utility of our optical guide for future sensors.

Original languageEnglish
Article number013632
JournalPhysical Review A - Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
Volume87
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 28 Jan 2013
Externally publishedYes

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