| Abstract: | A light-pulse atomic interferometry (LPAI) apparatus is provided. The
LPAI apparatus comprises a vessel, two sets of magnetic coils configured
to magnetically confine an atomic vapor in two respective magneto-optical
traps (MOTs) within the vessel when activated, and an optical system
configured to irradiate the atomic vapor within the vessel with laser
radiation that, when suitably tuned, can launch atoms previously confined
in each of the MOTs toward the other MOT. In embodiments, the magnetic
coils are configured to produce a magnetic field that is non-zero at the
midpoint between the traps. In embodiments, the time-of-flight of the
launched atoms from one MOT to the other is 12 ms or less. In
embodiments, the MOTs are situated approximately 36 mm apart. In
embodiments, the apparatus is configured to activate the magnetic coils
according to a particular temporal magnetic field gradient profile. |