Knowra Atom interferometry Atom interferometry Atom interferometry measures physical quantities by splitting atomic matter waves into separate paths, allowing their accumulated phase difference to appear as an interference signal.
Matter wave : A wave associated with a particle’s quantum state, whose wavelength depends on its momentum. Atoms behave as matter waves, so separated paths can later interfere.
Atom gravimeter : An instrument that measures gravitational acceleration using the phase of freely falling atoms. Gravity changes the phase accumulated by atoms during free fall.
Quantum superposition : A quantum state formed from a coherent combination of distinct possible states. A split atom occupies a superposition of paths until the alternatives are recombined or measured.
Optical interferometry : Measurement using interference between light waves that travel along different paths. It uses photons rather than massive atoms, producing different responses to forces and motion.
Decoherence : The loss of observable quantum interference as a system becomes correlated with uncontrolled surroundings. Environmental interactions can destroy the path coherence that atom interferometers require.
Raman transition : A transition between atomic energy levels driven by two photons whose frequency difference matches the level spacing. Laser-driven Raman transitions coherently split, redirect, and recombine atomic paths.
Gravitational-wave detection : The detection of spacetime oscillations produced by accelerating masses, using their effects on matter or light. Long-baseline atom interferometers are being developed to measure gravitational waves.
Quantum coherence : The phase relationship that allows components of a quantum state to produce interference. Loss of coherence erases the stable phase relation needed for clear fringes.
Neutron interferometry : Measurement using interference between coherent neutron matter waves traveling along separate paths. Neutrons also probe matter-wave phase, but have different interactions and source constraints.
Systematic error : A persistent measurement bias caused by an instrument, method, or model rather than random variation. Wavefront distortions, vibrations, and field gradients can imitate or bias phase signals.
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