Atom-interferometric techniques for measuring uniform magnetic field gradients and gravitational acceleration

Abstract

We discuss techniques for probing the effects of a constant force acting on cold atoms using two configurations of a grating echo-type atom interferometer. Laser-cooled samples of 85Rb with temperatures as low as 2.4 μK have been achieved in a new experimental apparatus with a well-controlled magnetic environment. We demonstrate interferometer signal lifetimes approaching the transit time limit in this system (∼270 ms), which is comparable to the time scale achieved by Raman interferometers. Using these long time scales, we experimentally investigate the influence of a homogeneous magnetic field gradient using two- and three-pulse interferometers, which enable us to sense changes in externally applied magnetic field gradients as small as ∼4×10 -5 G/cm. We also provide an improved theoretical description of signals generated by both interferometer configurations that accurately models experimental results. With this theory, absolute measurements of B gradients at the level of 3×10 -44 G/cm are achieved. Finally, we contrast the suitability of the two- and three-pulse interferometers for precision measurements of the gravitational acceleration, g. © 2011 American Physical Society.