Probing the spatial distribution of 𝑘
-vectors in situ with Bose-Einstein condensates

The Atom Interferometry team introduces a new method to map the spatial distribution of laser-beam wave vectors in situ using a Bose–Einstein condensate as a moving probe. This approach provides new insights into wavefront distortions and into key systematic effects in atom-interferometry–based quantum sensors. The team also reports something particularly exciting: the direct observation of an extra photon recoil, exceeding the nominal value ℎ𝜈/𝑐, made possible by shaping the beam’s intensity profile.

To learn more:

• Link to the journal: https://journals.aps.org/pra/abstract/10.1103/x2x9-dt38
• Link Arxiv : https://arxiv.org/abs/2507.19157