Obtaining Long Coherence Times in a Condensate Interferometer

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This project focuses on the study of the coherence time of a Bose-Einstein condensate by developing an interferometer apparatus capable of measuring coherence times of up to five seconds or more. The interfering atom packets will be separated and recombined using optically induced Bragg diffraction, and the atoms will be confined at all times in a weak magnetic trap. Special attention will be paid to the observation and investigation of phase diffusion. This source of decoherence arises from the interactions between atoms in a packet, when coupled to the unavoidable fluctuations in the number of atoms in the packet. The work will explore ways in which the phase diffusion can be reduced to obtain longer coherence times, which are of practical interest. On the broader impact, the research has the potential for socially useful technological innovations, in particular for inertial navigation and for oil exploration. In addition, the project will involve research training of graduate and undergraduate students.