Shaken Lattice Interferometry
Since the first demonstrations in 1991, atom interferometry has been a burgeoning Ìýeld of
research. The work done in this Ìýeld is motivated by the potential sensitivity improvements that
atom-based devices can have over the current state-of-the-art light- and MEMS-based devices. This
dissertation presents a new and unique approach to atom interferometry in that we perform the
basic interferometric sequence of splitting, propagation, reflection, reverse-propagation, and recombination with atoms trapped in a phase-modulated (shaken) optical lattice. In both simulation
and experiment we demonstrate a one-dimensional shaken lattice interferometer configured as an
accelerometer. The interferometry sequence is developed through the use of learning and optimal
control algorithms that allow us to implement the desired state-to-state transformations and perform
the desired operations, e.g. splitting and recombination of the atoms trapped in the lattice.
This device has a sensitivity that scales as the square of the interrogation time and an ability to
distinguish both the magnitude and sign of an applied acceleration signal. Furthermore we show
that we can tailor the transfer function of the interferometer to be sensitive to a signal of interest,
e.g. an AC signal of a given frequency. Finally, we explore the analytics of shaken lattice
interferometry and o er some suggestions as to the future of this new technology.