Karl Franzens University Graz
Graz University of Technology
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Karl Franzens University Graz | Graz University of Technology | |
Particle correlations in matter-wave optics Matter-wave optics and in particular interferometry with massive particles or manybody wave functions is a promising approach to precision sensing. In the past years, several atom-optical elements such as matter-wave sources, beam splitters and guides have been realized using ultracold or quantum-degenerate atomic gases. First order (phase) coherence has been investigated in interference experiments, highlighting the "wave" aspect of matter-waves. In this colloquium, we will focus on particle (density) correlations of expanding matter waves. We will discuss Hanbury-Brown-Twiss measurements across the phase transition to a Bose-Einstein condensate and reveal a thermally induced multi-mode character of the matter-wave source. We will also demonstrate a novel source for correlated "twin-atom" beams, realizing the matter-wave analogy to an optical parametric amplifier. |