Experimental realization of double Bragg diffraction: robust beamsplitters, mirrors, and interferometers for Bose-Einstein condensates

Abstract

We present the experimental implementation of double Bragg diffraction of Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) as proposed in [E. Giese, A. Roura, G. Tackmann, E. M. Rasel, and W. P. Schleich, Phys. Rev. A \textbf{88}, 053608 (2013)]. We excite Rabi oscillations between the three coupled momentum states $|0\hslash k⟩$ and $|\pm 2\hslash k⟩$. By selecting appropriate interaction times we generate highly efficient beamsplitters and mirrors for Bose-Einstein condensates. In addition, we demonstrate higher-order double Bragg diffraction and display beamsplitters with up to $\pm 6\hslash k$ momentum transfer. We compare double Bragg diffraction to several other experimental realizations of beamsplitters. Finally, we show that double Bragg diffraction is well suited for matter wave interferometry by realizing a Ramsey-type interferometer in a quasi one-dimensional waveguide.

arXiv comment11 pages, 6 figures

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