Refined model for Talbot–Lau matter-wave optics with pulsed photodepletion gratings

Abstract

We analyze time-domain Talbot–Lau interferometry of organic cluster beams that are exposed to pulsed photodepletion gratings in the vacuum ultraviolet. We focus particularly on the analysis of the complex (phase and absorption) character of the optical elements. The discussion includes the role of wavefront distortions due to mirror imperfections on the nanometer level and the effect of finite coherence in the diffraction gratings. This improved understanding of the interferometer allows us to extract new information on optical properties of anthracene and ferrocene clusters and to define conditions for future matter-wave experiments.