Atom optics with microfabricated optical elements

Atom Optics Using Microfabricated Structures

We present a novel method for fabricating precisely positioned small openings in thin silicon nitride membranes. Several optical elements for atoms have been constructed, including amplitude diffraction gratings and zone plates, and the results of experiments using these devices are presented. A method for creating a blazed diffraction grating is discussed. PACS: 35.10.-d, 42.25.-p Atom optics ...

Microfabricated alkali atom vapor cells

We describe the fabrication of chip-sized alkali atom vapor cells using silicon micromachining and anodic bonding technology. Such cells may find use in highly miniaturized atomic frequency references or magnetometers. The cells consist of cavities etched in silicon, with internal volumes as small as 1 mm. Two techniques for introducing cesium and a buffer gas into the cells are described: one ...

Quantum and Atom Optics

Quantum atom optics with bosons and fermions

Optics with an atom laser beam.

We report on the atom optical manipulation of an atom laser beam. Reflection, focusing, and its storage in a resonator are demonstrated. Precise and versatile mechanical control over an atom laser beam propagating in an inhomogeneous magnetic field is achieved by optically inducing spin flips between atomic ground states with different magnetic moment. The magnetic force acting on the atoms can...