A Study of Matter-Wave Diffraction in Bose-Einstein Condensates for Atom Interferometry Applications
Department or Program
Physics and Astronomy
Abstract
Atom interferometers detect inertial effects with considerably larger sensitivity than that of traditional light wave interferometers. They uti- lize the relative small group velocity of coherent matter waves for more precise measurements, which is crucial for possible next-generation in- ertial navigation systems. In a hybrid optical dipole and magnetic trap system we generate Bose-Einstein condensates to be used as the source of matter waves for atom interferometry. We use tailored light pulse sequences to induce Kapitza-Dirac diffraction in the condensates, splitting them into multiple parts at discrete momentum orders. Nu- merical simulation and experimental realization is given for novel pulse sequences that splits ±4hk momentum orders.
Level of Access
Open Access
First Advisor
Lundblad, Nathan
Date of Graduation
Spring 5-2014
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Recommended Citation
Guo, Yang, "A Study of Matter-Wave Diffraction in Bose-Einstein Condensates for Atom Interferometry Applications" (2014). Honors Theses. 88.
https://scarab.bates.edu/honorstheses/88
Number of Pages
59
Components of Thesis
1 pdf file
Open Access
Available to all.