Versatile compact atomic source for high-resolution dual atom interferometry

Abstract

We present a compact 87 Rb atomic source for high precision dual atom interferometers. The source is based on a double-stage magneto-optical trap ͑MOT͒ design, consisting of a two-dimensional ͑2D͒ -MOT for efficient loading of a 3D-MOT. The accumulated atoms are precisely launched in a horizontal moving molasses. Our source generates a high atomic flux ͑Ͼ10 10 atoms/ s͒ with precise and flexibly tunable atomic trajectories as required for high resolution Sagnac atom interferometry. We characterize the performance of the source with respect to the relevant parameters of the launched atoms, i.e., temperature, absolute velocity, and pointing, by utilizing time-of-flight techniques and velocity selective Raman transitions.

Quantum kinetic theory model of a continuous atom laser

“…Only the last atomic source satisfies the requirement κ 10 −3 s −1 . This experiment by Müller et al [7] is one of the sources in a dual atom interferometer designed for the precision measurement of accelerations and rotations [33]. A direct simulation has been performed for the parameters of this source, and the results are marked by a circle with an arrow pointing to it in Fig.…”

“…The steady-state condensate number for the source of Müller et al [7] is N 0 = 5 × 10 5 atoms, which would be a sufficiently large condensate to serve as a stable phase reference for an atom laser if it was a pure BEC at zero temperature. However, the steady-state condensate fraction for this source is only 10% [see Fig.…”

“…Previous theoretical work investigating the transfer of statistics from a trapped quasicondensate to an atom laser [7] a This source is pulsed, and the flux is the mean flux over one cycle with the repetition rate listed in parentheses. b This repetition rate is too low for this source to be useful (see main text).…”

“…It is not possible to investigate the transfer of statistics from the trapped component to the atom laser within the present model due to the simplifying assumption that it is only the condensate mode that is outcoupled to form the atom laser. A more detailed three-dimensional model taking into account the full spatial dependence of the Raman outcoupling process would be necessary to fully determine the feasibility of using an atomic source such as that described by Müller et al [7] in the production of a truly continuous pumped atom laser.…”

“…Continuous delivery of ultracold atoms has been demonstrated in a number of experiments [6][7][8][9] and is an important component of thermal atomic interferometry. Sequential reloading of a target BEC was achieved using optical tweezers [6], where a series of source condensates were joined by manipulating the trapping potentials, and excitations were subsequently removed * joseph.hope@anu.edu.au by further evaporative cooling.…”