scholarly journals An Atom Laser over Optical Lasers

2013 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 99-101
Author(s):  
Arbind Kumar Sah
Keyword(s):  
Coherent Beam ◽  
Atom Optics ◽  
Einstein Condensation ◽  
Atom Laser ◽  
Matter Waves ◽  
Light Waves ◽  
Bose Einstein ◽  
Atom Lithography ◽  
Conventional Laser ◽  
Optical Laser

An atom laser is a coherent state of propagating atoms. They are created out of a Bose Einstein Condensation (BEC) of atoms which are output coupled using various techniques. An optical laser or conventional laser generates a coherent beam of light waves where as an atom laser produces a coherent beam of matter waves. An atom laser will have a major impact on the fields of atom optics, atom lithography and precision measurements.The Himalayan Physics Vol. 4, No. 4, 2013 Page: 99-101 Uploaded date: 12/23/2013 

scholarly journals Gravitational caustics in an atom laser

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. E. Mossman ◽  
T. M. Bersano ◽  
Michael McNeil Forbes ◽  
P. Engels
Keyword(s):  
Gravitational Lensing ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Atom Optics ◽  
Atom Laser ◽  
Matter Waves ◽  
Experimental Platform ◽  
Repulsive Potentials ◽  
Classical Trajectories ◽  
Magnetic Gradients ◽  
Atomic States

AbstractTypically discussed in the context of optics, caustics are envelopes of classical trajectories (rays) where the density of states diverges, resulting in pronounced observable features such as bright points, curves, and extended networks of patterns. Here, we generate caustics in the matter waves of an atom laser, providing a striking experimental example of catastrophe theory applied to atom optics in an accelerated (gravitational) reference frame. We showcase caustics formed by individual attractive and repulsive potentials, and present an example of a network generated by multiple potentials. Exploiting internal atomic states, we demonstrate fluid-flow tracing as another tool of this flexible experimental platform. The effective gravity experienced by the atoms can be tuned with magnetic gradients, forming caustics analogous to those produced by gravitational lensing. From a more applied point of view, atom optics affords perspectives for metrology, atom interferometry, and nanofabrication. Caustics in this context may lead to quantum innovations as they are an inherently robust way of manipulating matter waves.

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