Matter-Wave Optics and Interferometry with Laser-Cooled Atoms

Abstract

Laser manipulation of atoms has proven to be a valuable tool for preparing atomic samples for atom interferometry. Spontaneous light forces may be used to slow, deflect, compress, cool and trap atoms; thus creating either nearly monochromatic atomic beams or atom clouds almost at rest, both of high densities and with de Broglie wavelengths up to several hundred nanometers. These ensembles show sufficient spatial and temporal coherence to exhibit matter wave interference and diffraction.