Atom interferometry using wave packets with constant spatial displacements

Abstract

A standing-wave light-pulse sequence is demonstrated that places atoms into a superposition of wave packets with precisely controlled displacements that remain constant for times as long as 1 s. The separated wave packets are subsequently recombined, resulting in atom interference patterns that probe energy differences of ≈ 10-34 J and can provide acceleration measurements that are insensitive to platform vibrations. © 2010 The American Physical Society.