Matter-wave interferometry with atoms in high Rydberg states

摘要: Matter-wave interferometry has been performed with helium atoms in high Rydberg states. In the experiments were prepared coherent superpositions of states different electric dipole moments. Upon application an inhomogeneous field, forces on these internal state components resulted generation momentum Using a sequence microwave and field gradient pulses entangled associated external motion matter waves. Under conditions matter-wave interference was observed by monitoring populations as magnitudes durations pulsed gradients adjusted. The results have compared to, are excellent quantitative agreement with, patterns calculated for corresponding pulse sequences. For used, spatial extent electron wavefunction ~320 nm. such giant is interest exploration boundary between quantum classical mechanics. presented also open new possibilities measurements acceleration positronium or antihydrogen Earth's gravitational field.