Optics and interferometry with atoms and molecules

TLDR

Interference of atomic and molecular matter waves, originating from early atom diffraction and atomic‑clock techniques, has matured into a versatile field of atom interferometry with wide scientific applications. The review outlines the core tools of coherent atom optics—including nanostructure and laser diffraction, three‑grating interferometers, and atom‑chip double wells. It surveys advances enabled by atom interferometers across fundamental quantum science, precision metrology, and atomic/molecular physics, focusing on linear matter‑wave optics where individual atoms interfere with themselves.

Abstract

Interference with atomic and molecular matter waves is a rich branch of atomic physics and quantum optics. It started with atom diffraction from crystal surfaces and the separated oscillatory fields technique used in atomic clocks. Atom interferometry is now reaching maturity as a powerful art with many applications in modern science. In this review the basic tools for coherent atom optics are described including diffraction by nanostructures and laser light, three-grating interferometers, and double wells on atom chips. Scientific advances in a broad range of fields that have resulted from the application of atom interferometers are reviewed. These are grouped in three categories: (i) fundamental quantum science, (ii) precision metrology, and (iii) atomic and molecular physics. Although some experiments with Bose-Einstein condensates are included, the focus of the review is on linear matter wave optics, i.e., phenomena where each single atom interferes with itself.