Quantum correlations and atomic speckle

S. S. Hodgman*, R. G. Dall, A. G. Manning, M. T. Johnsson, K. G.H. Baldwin, A. G. Truscott

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

    Abstract

    Here we utilize the single-atom detection capability of metastable helium to measure the second-order and third-order correlation functions for ensembles of ultracold atoms. We then extend these measurements to characterize the quantum statistics of atoms guided in a dipole potential. By appropriately loading atoms into the guide we are able to populate a selected number of guided modes, ranging from the majority of atoms in the lowest order mode (a BEC), to multi-mode guiding (equivalent to a thermal source). The guided BEC was characterised by a smooth gaussian transverse spatial profile, and a second-order correlation value of unity consistent with a coherent source. For multi-mode guiding, the matter-wave equivalent of speckle was observed. Furthermore, at short arrival times, the second-order correlation function was greater than unity, corresponding to atom bunching characteristic of an incoherent (thermal) source.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationProceedings of the 20th International Conference on Laser Spectroscopy, ICOLS 2011
    EditorsRudiger Scholz, Wolfgang Ertmer
    PublisherLogos Verlag Berlin GmbH
    Pages231-239
    Number of pages9
    ISBN (Electronic)9783832529932
    Publication statusPublished - 2011
    Event20th International Conference on Laser Spectroscopy, ICOLS 2011 - Hannover, Germany
    Duration: 30 May 20113 Jun 2011

    Publication series

    NameProceedings of the 20th International Conference on Laser Spectroscopy, ICOLS 2011

    Conference

    Conference20th International Conference on Laser Spectroscopy, ICOLS 2011
    Country/TerritoryGermany
    CityHannover
    Period30/05/113/06/11

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