Low-noise detection of ultracold atoms.
We have demonstrated a new technique for detecting ultracold atoms. A balanced detection technique was used to reduce laser-induced detection noise in conjunction with modulation-transfer spectroscopy to distinguish cold atoms from a thermal cloud. Using this technique, we have achieved signal-to-noise ratios in excess of 2000:1.
J M
JM
McGuirk
G T
GT
Foster
J B
JB
Fixler
M A
MA
Kasevich