Abstract
The far-field patterns of atoms diffracted from a classical light field or from a quantum one in a photon-number state are identical. On the other hand, diffraction from a field in a coherent state, which shares many properties with classical light, displays a completely different behavior. We show that in contrast to the diffraction patterns, the interference signal of an atom interferometer with light-pulse beam splitters and mirrors in intense coherent states does approach the limit of classical fields. However, low photon numbers reveal the granular structure of light, leading to a reduced visibility since welcher-Weg (which-way) information is encoded into the field. We discuss this effect for a single photon-number state as well as a superposition of two such states.
Highlights
During the last decades, the interaction of atoms with quantized light fields1 has led to landmark experimental achievements, such as the one-atom maser2,3 or the generation of Schrödinger-cat states.4 At the same time, light-pulse atom interferometers5 have become unique instruments for precision measurements
We demonstrate that (i) the phase of a coherent state contributes to the phase of a Mach–Zehnder interferometer in the same way as the phase of classical light. (ii) The visibility of the interference signal generated by diffraction from coherent states approaches the limit of diffraction from classical light pulses for high average photon numbers.30 (iii) for diffraction from a Fock state, the visibility vanishes,31 since complete welcher-Weg12,32–35 information can be inferred. (iv) Even for a superposition of two Fock states in every light field, we observe a significant loss of visibility
We have determined the interference signal of a Mach– Zehnder atom interferometer taking into account the quantized nature of the light fields interacting with the atoms
Summary
The interaction of atoms with quantized light fields has led to landmark experimental achievements, such as the one-atom maser or the generation of Schrödinger-cat states. At the same time, light-pulse atom interferometers have become unique instruments for precision measurements. The interaction of atoms with quantized light fields has led to landmark experimental achievements, such as the one-atom maser or the generation of Schrödinger-cat states.. Light-pulse atom interferometers have become unique instruments for precision measurements. We analyze the interference signal of a Mach–Zehnder atom interferometer where we have replaced the classical light creating the beam splitters and mirrors by quantum fields. The most classical state, that is, a coherent state, causes a momentum distribution that is utterly different. We study whether such a behavior transfers to the interference signal observed in atom interferometers generated from light pulses.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
