One-mirror Fabry-Perot and one-slit Young interferometry

Abstract

We describe a new and distinctive interferometry in which a probe particle scatters off a superposition of locations of a single free target particle. In one dimension, probe particles incident on superposed locations of a single "mirror" can interfere as if in a Fabry-Perot interferometer; in two dimensions, probe particles scattering off superposed locations of a single "slit" can interfere as if in a two-slit Young interferometer. The condition for interference is loss of orthogonality of the target states and reduces, in simple examples, to transfer of orthogonality from target to probe states. We analyze experimental parameters and conditions necessary for interference to be observed.

5 pages, 2 figures, RevTeX, submitted to PRL

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