Why momentum width matters for atom interferometry with Bragg pulses

We theoretically consider the effect of the atomic source's momentum width on the efficiency of Bragg mirrors and beamsplitters and, more generally, on the phase sensitivity of Bragg pulse atom interferometers. By numerical optimization, we show that an atomic cloud's momentum width places...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:arXiv.org 2011-12
Main Authors: Szigeti, Stuart S, Debs, John E, Hope, Joseph J, Robins, Nicholas P, Close, John D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Atom interferometry
Inertial sensing devices
Interferometers
Momentum transfer
Optimization
Sensitivity
Upper bounds
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:We theoretically consider the effect of the atomic source's momentum width on the efficiency of Bragg mirrors and beamsplitters and, more generally, on the phase sensitivity of Bragg pulse atom interferometers. By numerical optimization, we show that an atomic cloud's momentum width places a fundamental upper bound on the maximum transfer efficiency of a Bragg mirror pulse, and furthermore limits the phase sensitivity of a Bragg pulse atom interferometer. We quantify these momentum width effects, and precisely compute how mirror efficiencies and interferometer phase sensitivities vary as functions of Bragg order and source type. Our results and methodology allow for an efficient optimization of Bragg pulses and the comparison of different atomic sources, and will help in the design of large momentum transfer Bragg mirrors and beamsplitters for use in atom-based inertial sensors.
ISSN:2331-8422
DOI:10.48550/arxiv.1110.2901