Shimon Machluf, Yonathan Japha, Ron Folman
The splitting of matter-waves into superposition states is a fundamental tool for studying the basic tenets of quantum behavior, as well as a building block for numerous technological applications. We report on the first realization of a beam-splitter by a combination of magnetic field gradients and a radio-frequency technique. It may be used for freely propagating or trapped atoms in a Bose-Einstein condensate or a thermal state. It has the advantageous feature of endowing its superposition state with a large differential momentum in the direction parallel or transverse to the atoms' motion, thereby, for example enabling to open large angles. As large space-time area of an interferometer increases its sensitivity, this may be used for new kinds of interferometry experiments (e.g. large angle Sagnac interferometry). Furthermore, it is also simple to use, fast, and does not require light.
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http://arxiv.org/abs/1208.2526
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