Survey of Atom Interferometer Beam-Combination Configurations and Beam Splitter Designs

摘要

This report summarizes the state of the art of atom-interferometry experiments, with an emphasis on the beam-splitting and beam-combination configurations, as well as on the different choices of beam splitter designs including both the successful and the unsuccessful ones. Analyses and discussions are given on the relative merits of the different types of configurations and designs in the context of the different types of potential applications. The possible causes of the success and failure of the different atom-interferometry configurations are also explored, the ultimate understanding of which is tied to the resolution of the quantum measurement problem and possible ontological foundation for quantum mechanics. The insights gained by a new, heuristic model of the quantum measurement process could be used to guide the design of atom interferometers and the choice of beam splitter configurations. One example of a hybrid design of an atom interferometer incorporating both the free-space and atom-chip-based technologies is given.