Abstract
Using the unique detection properties offered by metastable helium atoms we have produced high resolution images of the transverse spatial profiles of an atom laser beam. We observe fringes on the beam, resulting from quantum mechanical interference between atoms that start from rest at different transverse locations within the outcoupling surface and end up at a later time with different velocities at the same transverse position. Numerical simulations in the low output-coupling limit give good quantitative agreement with our experimental data.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 17673-17680 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Optics Express |
Volume | 15 |
Issue number | 26 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 24 Dec 2007 |
Externally published | Yes |