Otto Stern’s Legacy in Quantum Optics: Matter Waves and Deflectometry

Stefan Gerlich, Yaakov Y. Fein, Armin Shayeghi, Valentin Köhler, Marcel Mayor, Markus Arndt (Corresponding author)

Publications: Contribution to bookChapterPeer Reviewed

Abstract

Otto Stern became famous for molecular beam physics, matter-wave research and the discovery of the electron spin, with his work guiding several generations of physicists and chemists. Here we discuss how his legacy has inspired the realization of universal interferometers, which prepare matter waves from atomic, molecular, cluster or eventually nanoparticle beams. Such universal interferometers have proven to be sensitive tools for quantum-assisted force measurements, building on Stern’s pioneering work on electric and magnetic deflectometry. The controlled shift and dephasing of interference fringes by external electric, magnetic or optical fields have been used to determine internal properties of a vast class of particles in a unified experimental framework.
Translated title of the contributionOtto Stern’s Legacy in Quantum Optics: Matter Waves and Deflectometry
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMolecular Beams in Physics and Chemistry
Subtitle of host publicationFrom Otto Stern's Pioneering Exploits to Present-Day Feats
EditorsBretislav Friedrich, Horst Schmidt-Böcking
PublisherSpringer
Chapter24
Pages547-573
Number of pages27
Volume1
ISBN (Electronic)978-3-030-63963-1
ISBN (Print)978-3-030-63962-4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 24 Jun 2021

Austrian Fields of Science 2012

  • 103026 Quantum optics
  • 103021 Optics
  • 103008 Experimental physics

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