Abstract
The mechanical effects of stimulated Raman transitions on atoms have been used to demonstrate a matter-wave interferometer with laser-cooled sodium atoms. Interference has been observed for wave packets that have been separated by as much as 2.4 mm. Using the interferometer as an inertial sensor, the acceleration of a sodium atom due to gravity has been measured with a resolution of 3× after 1000 sec of integration time.
- Received 23 April 1991
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.67.181
©1991 American Physical Society