Abstract
This chapter presents an overview of an attempt to exploit the unique possibilities of atomic beams and their interactions with light fields for fundamental physics. The overview starts with a short description of the experimental apparatus and then describes a classical experiment: a three grating moiré imaging device based on classical ray optics. This classical device is a very sensitive inertial sensor, capable even of surpassing present-day commercial sensors. The chapter describes the three grating de Broglie wave atom interferometer based on diffraction at standing light waves and subsequently discusses the similarities between the classical moiré apparatus and the quantum apparatus, the interferometer. The chapter comments on the new features one might expect in the study of coherent motion in periodic structures made of light called the light crystals. Starting from the similar and well-developed fields of dynamical diffraction in neutron, electron, and X-ray physics, the chapter gives an introduction to the different regimes accessible by the experiment and shows the first realizations of some of the expected effects.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
