Collective-Mode Enhanced Matter-Wave Optics

authored by: Christian Deppner, Waldemar Herr, Merle Cornelius, Peter Stromberger, Tammo Sternke, Christoph Grzeschik, Alexander Grote, Jan Rudolph, Sven Herrmann, Markus Krutzik, André Wenzlawski, Robin Corgier, Eric Charron, David Guéry-Odelin, Naceur Gaaloul, Claus Lämmerzahl, Achim Peters, Patrick Windpassinger, Ernst M. Rasel
Abstract: In contrast to light, matter-wave optics of quantum gases deals with interactions even in free space and for ensembles comprising millions of atoms. We exploit these interactions in a quantum degenerate gas as an adjustable lens for coherent atom optics. By combining an interaction-driven quadrupole-mode excitation of a Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) with a magnetic lens, we form a time-domain matter-wave lens system. The focus is tuned by the strength of the lensing potential and the oscillatory phase of the quadrupole mode. By placing the focus at infinity, we lower the total internal kinetic energy of a BEC comprising 101(37) thousand atoms in three dimensions to 3/2 kB·38-7+6 pK. Our method paves the way for free-fall experiments lasting ten or more seconds as envisioned for tests of fundamental physics and high-precision BEC interferometry, as well as opens up a new kinetic energy regime.
Organisation(s): Institute of Quantum Optics
QuantumFrontiers
External Organisation(s): Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU Berlin)
Université Paris-Saclay
Universite de Toulouse
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
University of Bremen
Type: Article
Journal: Physical review letters
Volume: 127
ISSN: 0031-9007
Publication date: 03.09.2021
Publication status: Published
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: Physics and Astronomy(all)
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.127.100401 (Access: Closed)

BibTeX

@article{e815f4f10d5e49fab9ec025a312aa58a,
title = "Collective-Mode Enhanced Matter-Wave Optics",
abstract = "In contrast to light, matter-wave optics of quantum gases deals with interactions even in free space and for ensembles comprising millions of atoms. We exploit these interactions in a quantum degenerate gas as an adjustable lens for coherent atom optics. By combining an interaction-driven quadrupole-mode excitation of a Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) with a magnetic lens, we form a time-domain matter-wave lens system. The focus is tuned by the strength of the lensing potential and the oscillatory phase of the quadrupole mode. By placing the focus at infinity, we lower the total internal kinetic energy of a BEC comprising 101(37) thousand atoms in three dimensions to 3/2 kB·38-7+6 pK. Our method paves the way for free-fall experiments lasting ten or more seconds as envisioned for tests of fundamental physics and high-precision BEC interferometry, as well as opens up a new kinetic energy regime.",
author = "Christian Deppner and Waldemar Herr and Merle Cornelius and Peter Stromberger and Tammo Sternke and Christoph Grzeschik and Alexander Grote and Jan Rudolph and Sven Herrmann and Markus Krutzik and Andr{\'e} Wenzlawski and Robin Corgier and Eric Charron and David Gu{\'e}ry-Odelin and Naceur Gaaloul and Claus L{\"a}mmerzahl and Achim Peters and Patrick Windpassinger and Rasel, {Ernst M.}",
note = "Funding Information: We acknowledge valuable discussions with R. Walser. This work is supported by the German Space Agency (DLR) with funds provided by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) due to an enactment of the German Bundestag under Grant No. DLR 50WM1552-1557 (QUANTUS-V Fallturm), as well as by the Centre for Quantum Engineering and Space-Time Research and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation) under Germany{\textquoteright}s Excellence Strategy—EXC 2123 Quantum Frontiers—Project No. 390837967 at Leibniz University Hannover.",
year = "2021",
month = sep,
day = "3",
doi = "10.1103/PhysRevLett.127.100401",
language = "English",
volume = "127",
journal = "Physical review letters",
issn = "0031-9007",
publisher = "American Physical Society",
number = "10",
}