Stroboscopic Raman Spectroscopy of Atom Optics in Quasi-Bragg Regime

Abstract

Quasi-Bragg regime is a good compromise for large-momentum-transfer atom interferometry, allowing for scaling up the interferometric area, while constraining the population of unwanted states. Separation of momentum states via standard time of flight methods, however, can be challenging when using laser-cooled atoms, rather than ultracold atoms with sub-recoil velocity distribution. To overcome this limit, we use Raman spectroscopy for stroboscopic sampling of the atomic state evolution in momentum space during the interrogating laser pulses. We quantitatively characterize atom optics employing two-photon (2___k) and multi-photon (6___k) Bragg transitions, the latter being optionally enhanced with optimal control protocol. We closely match the observed dynamics of the atomic state with simulations. Finally, we perform momentum spectroscopy of the output states in a 6___k Bragg gravimeter.