Related papers: A single-photon large-momentum-transfer atom inter…
Measurements of the fine-structure constant alpha require methods from across subfields and are thus powerful tests of the consistency of theory and experiment in physics. Using the recoil frequency of cesium-133 atoms in a matter-wave…
The kinetic energy of an atom recoiling due to absorption of a photon was measured as a frequency using an interferometric technique called ``contrast interferometry''. Optical standing wave pulses were used as atom-optical elements to…
We use Bloch oscillations to transfer coherently many photon momenta to atoms. Then we can measure accurately the recoil velocity $\hbar k/m$ and deduce the fine structure constant $\alpha$. The velocity variation due to Bloch oscillations…
We report a new experimental scheme which combines atom interferometry with Bloch oscillations to provide a new measurement of the ratio $h/m_{\mathrm{Rb}}$. By using Bloch oscillations, we impart to the atoms up to 1600 recoil momenta and…
In Paris, we are using an atom interferometer to precisely measure the recoil velocity of an atom that absorbs a photon. In order to reach a high sensitivity, many recoils are transferred to atoms using the Bloch oscillations technique. In…
We use Bloch oscillations to transfer coherently many photon momenta to atoms. Then we can measure accurately the ratio h/m_Rb and deduce the fine structure constant alpha. The velocity variation due to the Bloch oscillations is measured…
We use Bloch oscillations in a horizontal moving standing wave to transfer a large number of photon recoils to atoms with a high efficiency (99.5% per cycle). By measuring the photon recoil of $^{87}Rb$, using velocity selective Raman…
Using a three-path contrast interferometer (CI) geometry and laser-pulse diffraction gratings, we create the first matter-wave interferometer with ytterbium (Yb) atoms. We present advances in contrast interferometry relevant to…
A new method for examining the possible space-time variation of the fine structure constant ($\alpha$) is proposed. The technique uses a relatively simple measurement with an optical resonator to compare atom-stabilized optical frequency…
We report on progress towards a measurement of the fine structure constant to an accuracy of $5\times 10^{-10}$ or better by measuring the ratio of the Planck constant to the mass of the cesium atom. Compared to similar experiments, ours is…
We demonstrate the scale up of a symmetric three-path contrast interferometer to large momentum separation. The observed phase stability at separation of 112 photon recoil momenta ($112\hbar k$) exceeds the performance of earlier free-space…
We report an accurate measurement of the recoil velocity of Rb atoms based on Bloch oscillations in a vertical accelerated optical lattice. We transfer about 900 recoil momenta with an efficiency of 99.97 % per recoil. A set of 72…
We present a single-source dual atom interferometer and utilize it as a gradiometer for precise gravitational measurements. The macroscopic separation between interfering atomic wave packets (as large as 16 cm) reveals the interplay of…
Echo atom interferometers have emerged as interesting alternatives to Raman interferometers for the realization of precise measurements of the gravitational acceleration $g$ and the determination of the atomic fine structure through…
In this paper we present a short overview of atom interferometry based on light pulses. We discuss different implementations and their applications for high precision measurements. We will focus on the determination of the ratio h/m of the…
We present a novel atom interferometer configuration that combines large momentum transfer with the enhancement of an optical resonator for the purpose of measuring gravitational strain in the horizontal directions. Using Bragg diffraction…
Correlating the signals from simultaneous atom interferometers has enabled some of the most precise determinations of fundamental constants. Here, we show that multiple interferometers with strategically chosen initial conditions ("offset…
We present a method for determining the phase and contrast of a single shot of an atom interferometer. The application of a phase shear across the atom ensemble yields a spatially varying fringe pattern at each output port, which can be…
We demonstrate a novel scheme for Raman-pulse and Bragg-pulse atom interferometry based on the $5\mathrm{S} - 6\mathrm{P}$ blue transitions of $^{87}$Rb that provides an increase by a factor $\sim 2$ of the interferometer phase due to…
Direct detection experiments for dark matter are increasingly ruling out large parameter spaces. However, light dark matter models with particle masses $<$ GeV are still largely unconstrained. Here we examine a proposal to use atom…