Abstract
A short review about recent developments of coherent atom optics and atom interferometry is given. The paper mainly concentrates on light fields as optical elements for de Broglie waves. Ramsey type interferometers for measurements of fundamental constants as well as for the study of pure quantum mechanical phase shifts are discussed in more detail. As an example measurements of the scalar Aharonov‐Bohm phase shift on laser trapped magnesium atoms are presented. For future atom cavities and large area interferometers evanescent light fields acting as mirrors seem to be best suited. Recent experimental demonstrations of the reflection and diffraction of atoms with evanescent light fields are discussed. The specific advantages in using laser manipulated and cold atoms in the field of atom optics and matter‐wave interferometry are described.
Published Version
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 call