Berlin 2001 – wissenschaftliches Programm
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Q: Quantenoptik
Q 1: Poster: Atom Optics
Q 1.1: Poster
Montag, 2. April 2001, 12:30–15:00, AT2
Atomic fountain as a source for a novel multiple beam atom interferometer — •Sebastian Fray1,2, Michael Mei1, S. Nic Chormaic1,2, Theodor W. Hänsch1,2, and Martin Weitz1,2 — 1Max-Planck-Institut für Quantenoptik, Hans-Kopfermann-Str. 1, 85748 Garching — 2Sektion der Physik der Universität München, Schellingstr. 4, 80799 München
Atom interferometers find applications in precision measurements of gravitation and the photon recoil. Similar as in optical multiple beam interference experiments, the resolution of atom interferometers can be increased with a larger number of interfering paths. We are currently realizing a multiple beam atom interferometer which uses nanosecond light pulses as beamsplitters for the matter waves. Our setup takes advantage of cold rubidium atoms in an atomic fountain to allow for long interaction times. Atoms are collected in a magneto-optic trap and launched upwards on vertical ballistic trajectories. An important ingredient in the setup is a sensitive detection scheme for the cold atoms. We have developed a novel detection method for the cold atoms in the fountain, which is based on a frequency modulated sideband fluorescence detection technique. We have compared this technique to both conventional fluorescence and frequency modulated transmission measurements, and observe that the background signal from thermal atoms is strongly suppressed with the novel technique. The current status of the experiment will be reported. 567890