Resolved diffraction patterns from a reflection grating for atoms

• Main Authors: Esteve, J, Stevens, D, Savalli, V, Westbrook, N, Westbrook, C. I, Aspect, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 04-11-2002
• Subjects: Physics - Atomic Physics
• DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.physics/0211014

J. Opt. B: Quantum Semiclass. Opt. 5 S103-S106 (2003) We have studied atomic diffraction at normal incidence from an evanescent
standing wave with a high resolution using velocity selective Raman
transitions. We have observed up to 3 resolved orders of diffraction, which are
well accounted for by a scalar diffraction theory. In our experiment the
transverse coherence length of the source is greater than the period of the
diffraction grating.