D. Z. Chan | Searcharxiv

arXiv2026

Stern-Gerlach interferometry in three dimensions: the role of transverse fields

We show that superficially similar implementations of Stern-Gerlach Interferometers (SGIs) are expected to differ dramatically in their sensitivity to fields transverse to the primary acceleration direction. These transverse fields unavoidably accompany any static magnetic or electric field gradients, and have been shown by Comparat [Phys. Rev. A 101, 023606 (2020)] to limit the precision application of SGIs. As a concrete example, we consider SGIs with ultracold Rb Rydberg atoms accelerated by spatially-varying electric fields. We find that the deleterious effect of transverse fields imply that only some implementations (sequences of field gradients, internal state swaps, and so-on) may exhibit fringes with high visibility.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2023

Comment on "Matter-wave interferometry with helium atoms in low-$l$ Rydberg states''

Tommey and Hogan [Phys. Rev. A, 104, 033305 (2021)] have reported a matter-wave interference experiment using Rydberg atoms traveling through inhomogeneous electric fields at approximately 2000 m/s. Using a simplified model containing the essential physics of their experiment, we show that the phase difference measured by their observed interference fringes does not depend -- in any significant way -- on the acceleration of the Rydberg atoms, but instead simply on the uniform motion of the atoms through the inhomogeneous electric field.

physics.atom-ph↗