Collective-Mode Enhanced Matter-Wave Optics

authored by
Christian Deppner, Waldemar Herr, Merle Cornelius, Peter Stromberger, Tammo Sternke, Christoph Grzeschik, Alexander Grote, Jan Rudolph, Sven Herrmann, Markus Krutzik, André Wenzlawski, Robin Corgier, Eric Charron, David Guéry-Odelin, Naceur Gaaloul, Claus Lämmerzahl, Achim Peters, Patrick Windpassinger, Ernst M. Rasel
Abstract

In contrast to light, matter-wave optics of quantum gases deals with interactions even in free space and for ensembles comprising millions of atoms. We exploit these interactions in a quantum degenerate gas as an adjustable lens for coherent atom optics. By combining an interaction-driven quadrupole-mode excitation of a Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) with a magnetic lens, we form a time-domain matter-wave lens system. The focus is tuned by the strength of the lensing potential and the oscillatory phase of the quadrupole mode. By placing the focus at infinity, we lower the total internal kinetic energy of a BEC comprising 101(37) thousand atoms in three dimensions to 3/2 kB·38-7+6 pK. Our method paves the way for free-fall experiments lasting ten or more seconds as envisioned for tests of fundamental physics and high-precision BEC interferometry, as well as opens up a new kinetic energy regime.

Organisation(s)
Institute of Quantum Optics
QuantumFrontiers
External Organisation(s)
Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU Berlin)
Université Paris-Saclay
Universite de Toulouse
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
University of Bremen
Type
Article
Journal
Physical review letters
Volume
127
ISSN
0031-9007
Publication date
03.09.2021
Publication status
Published
Peer reviewed
Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas
General Physics and Astronomy
Electronic version(s)
https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.127.100401 (Access: Closed)