Abstract
We calculate the reflection probability for ultracold atoms incident on an evanescent-wave atomic mirror, and analyze the optimum conditions to observe quantum reflection. We find that averaging over the Gaussian profile of the laser beam dramatically reduces the quantum signature, and consider the effects of an appropriate aperture that limits the variation of beam intensity. We show that quantum reflection is particularly sensitive to details of the atom-surface potential, and could be used to resolve retardation effects.
- Received 31 July 1997
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.56.R3350
©1997 American Physical Society
