Advances in precision contrast interferometry with Yb Bose-Einstein condensates

摘要

Using a three-path contrast interferometer (CI) geometry and laser-pulsediffraction gratings, we create the first matter-wave interferometer withytterbium (Yb) atoms. We present advances in contrast interferometry relevantto high-precision measurements. By comparing to a traditional atominterferometer, we demonstrate the immunity of the CI to vibrations for longinteraction times (> 20 ms). We characterize and demonstrate control over thetwo largest systematic effects for a high-precision measurement of the finestructure constant via photon recoil with our interferometer: diffractionphases and atomic interactions. Diffraction phases are an important systematicfor most interferometers using large-momentum transfer beam splitters; atomicinteractions are a key concern for any BEC interferometer. Finally, we considerthe prospects for a future sub-part per billion photon recoil measurement usinga Yb CI.