Details
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 063622 |
| Journal | Physical Review A - Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics |
| Volume | 86 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| Publication status | Published - 19 Dec 2012 |
Abstract
In recent years there has been enormous progress in matter wave interferometry. The Colella-Overhauser-Werner (COW) type of neutron interferometer and the Kasevich-Chu (K-C) atom interferometer are the prototypes of such devices and the issue of whether they are sensitive to relativistic effects has recently aroused much controversy. We examine the question as to what extent the gravitational redshift and the related twin paradox effect can be seen in both of these atom and neutron interferometers. We point out an asymmetry between the two types of devices. Because of this, the nonvanishing, nonrelativistic residue of both effects can be seen in the neutron interferometer, while in the K-C interferometer the effects cancel out, leaving no residue, although they could be present in other types of atom interferometers. Also, the necessary shifting of the laser frequency (chirping) in the atom interferometer effectively changes the laboratory into a free-fall system, which could be exploited for other experiments.
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physics and Astronomy(all)
- Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
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In: Physical Review A - Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics, Vol. 86, No. 6, 063622, 19.12.2012.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer review
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Relativistic effects in atom and neutron interferometry and the differences between them
AU - Greenberger, Daniel M.
AU - Schleich, Wolfgang P.
AU - Rasel, Ernst M.
PY - 2012/12/19
Y1 - 2012/12/19
N2 - In recent years there has been enormous progress in matter wave interferometry. The Colella-Overhauser-Werner (COW) type of neutron interferometer and the Kasevich-Chu (K-C) atom interferometer are the prototypes of such devices and the issue of whether they are sensitive to relativistic effects has recently aroused much controversy. We examine the question as to what extent the gravitational redshift and the related twin paradox effect can be seen in both of these atom and neutron interferometers. We point out an asymmetry between the two types of devices. Because of this, the nonvanishing, nonrelativistic residue of both effects can be seen in the neutron interferometer, while in the K-C interferometer the effects cancel out, leaving no residue, although they could be present in other types of atom interferometers. Also, the necessary shifting of the laser frequency (chirping) in the atom interferometer effectively changes the laboratory into a free-fall system, which could be exploited for other experiments.
AB - In recent years there has been enormous progress in matter wave interferometry. The Colella-Overhauser-Werner (COW) type of neutron interferometer and the Kasevich-Chu (K-C) atom interferometer are the prototypes of such devices and the issue of whether they are sensitive to relativistic effects has recently aroused much controversy. We examine the question as to what extent the gravitational redshift and the related twin paradox effect can be seen in both of these atom and neutron interferometers. We point out an asymmetry between the two types of devices. Because of this, the nonvanishing, nonrelativistic residue of both effects can be seen in the neutron interferometer, while in the K-C interferometer the effects cancel out, leaving no residue, although they could be present in other types of atom interferometers. Also, the necessary shifting of the laser frequency (chirping) in the atom interferometer effectively changes the laboratory into a free-fall system, which could be exploited for other experiments.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84871541110&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1103/PhysRevA.86.063622
DO - 10.1103/PhysRevA.86.063622
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84871541110
VL - 86
JO - Physical Review A - Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
JF - Physical Review A - Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
SN - 1050-2947
IS - 6
M1 - 063622
ER -