Potsdam University Potsdam Quantum Optics Group

Universität Potsdam
Institut für Physik
Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24/25
14476 Potsdam-Golm
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 Publications
 1998
   westbrook98
 
N. Westbrook, C. I. Westbrook, A. Landragin, G. Labeyrie, L. Cognet, V. Savalli, G. Horvath, A. Aspect, C. Henkel, K. Mølmer, J. Y. Courtois, W. D. Phillips, R. Kaiser, and V. Bagnato
New physics with evanescent wave atomic mirrors: the van der Waals force and atomic diffraction
Physica Scripta T78 (1998) 7-12, proceedings of the EGAS Conference 1997.

Abstract

    After a brief introduction to the field of atom optics and to atomic mirrors, we present experimental results obtained in our group during the last two years while studying the reflection of rubidium atoms by an evanescent wave. These involve the first measurement of the van der Waals force between an atom in its ground state and a dielectric wall, as well as the demonstration of a reflection grating for atoms at normal incidence. We also consider the influence of quantum reflection and tunnelling phenomena. Further studies using the atomic mirror as a probe of the van der Waals interaction, and of very small surface roughness are briefly discussed.

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