Abstract

Velocity selection of atoms by use of stimulated Raman transitions is a new promising method to manipulate both internal and translational degrees of freedom of atoms.¹ The essential feature of a velocity-selection technique (VST) is the possibility to obtain an ensemble of quantum objects (atoms, molecules, or ions), which are in a well-defined quantum state with a very narrow velocity spread (in particular, with a spread much lower than the recoil velocity v_R = ħk |M, k is the wave number of exciting light field, M is the mass of atom).¹ By now, the VST is already used in atomic interferometry² and in atomic fountain clock.³

© 1994 IEEE