Semiclassical limits to the linewidth of an atom laser

Abstract

We investigate the linewidth of a quasicontinuous atom laser within a semiclassical framework. In the high flux regime, the lasing mode can exhibit a number of undesirable features such as density fluctuations. We show that the output therefore has a complicated structure that can be somewhat simplified using Raman outcoupling methods and energy-momentum selection rules. In the weak outcoupling limit, we find that the linewidth of an atom laser is instantaneously Fourier limited, but, due to the energy "chirp" associated with depletion of the condensate, the long-term linewidth of an atom laser is equivalent to the chemical potential of the condensate source. We show that correctly sweeping the outcoupling frequency can recover the Fourier-limited linewidth. © 2007 The American Physical Society.