Measuring atomic NOON-states and using them to make precision measurements

Abstract

A scheme for creating NOON-states of the quasi-momentum of ultra-cold atoms has recently been proposed (2006 New J. Phys. 8 180). This was achieved by trapping the atoms in an optical lattice in a ring configuration and rotating the potential at a rate equal to half a quantum of angular momentum. In this paper, we present a scheme for confirming that a NOON-state has indeed been created. This is achieved by spectroscopically mapping out the anti-crossing between the ground and first excited levels by modulating the rate at which the potential is rotated. Finally, we show how the NOON-state can be used to make precision measurements of rotation. © IOP Publishing Ltd and Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft.