Interferometry with atomic and molecular matter waves

Abstract

Det er en todelt oppgave hvor første del omhandler atom-interferometri basert på lyspulser. Mekaniske effekter på atomer fra lys er diskutert. To spesifikke interferometer er diskutert i detalj. Tilslutt noen anvendelser.

Den andre delen omhandler en anvendelse at atom-interferometri: brytningsindeksen til gasser for materiebølger. Dette er en optisk egenskap hvis mikroskopiske effekt kommer fra atomære kollisjoner. Tre forskjellige systemer har blitt betraktet, inkludert atomære- og molekylære materiebølger. Beregninger er basert på interatomære potensialkurver sammen med en midling pga gassen. Systemene er kalde.

The thesis is twofold. The first part is an introduction to atom interferometers based on light-atom interactions. The mechanical effect on atoms, induced by light is discussed. Certain combinations of light pulses can make atoms interfere. Two atom interferometer designs are explained in some detail. Finally, applications are discussed.

The second part concerns one of the applications of atomic interferometry: the index of refraction of gases for matter waves. This is an optical property which microscopic effect is the collision between the atoms of the waves and the atoms of the gas. Three different systems have been investigated, including atomic- and molecular waves. Calculations are based on the interparticle potentials along with an averaging effect due to the thermal motion of the gas. All the systems are characterized by a low temperature.