Back to Search
Start Over
Ultracold atom interferometry in space
- Publication Year :
- 2021
-
Abstract
- Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) in free fall constitute a promising source for space-borne matter-wave interferometry. Indeed, BECs enjoy a slowly expanding wave function, display a large spatial coherence and can be engineered and probed by optical techniques. On a sounding rocket, we explore matter-wave fringes of multiple spinor components of a BEC released in free fall employing light-pulses to drive Bragg processes and induce phase imprinting. The prevailing microgravity played a crucial role in the observation of these interferences which not only reveal the spatial coherence of the condensates but also allow us to measure differential forces. Our work establishes matter-wave interferometry in space with future applications in fundamental physics, navigation and Earth observation.<br />Comment: 7 pages, 3 figures
- Subjects :
- Physics - Atomic Physics
Quantum Physics
Subjects
Details
- Database :
- arXiv
- Publication Type :
- Report
- Accession number :
- edsarx.2101.00972
- Document Type :
- Working Paper
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-21628-z