We measure the decoherence of a spatially separated atomic superposition due to spontaneous photon scattering. We observe a qualitative change in decoherence versus separation as the number of scattered photons increases, and verify quantitatively the decoherence rate constant in the many-photon limit. Our results illustrate an evolution of decoherence consistent with general models developed for a broad class of decoherence phenomenon.
@article{arxiv.quant-ph/0009044,
title = {From Single to Multiple-Photon Decoherence in an Atom Interferometer},
author = {David A. Kokorowski and Alex D. Cronin and Tony D. Roberts and David E. Pritchard},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:quant-ph/0009044},
year = {2009}
}
Comments
submitted to PRL Septermber 5 2000 resubmitted to PRL December 5, 2000 Accepted for publication in PRL Jan 12, 2001