Abstract
We measure the decoherence of a spatially separated atomic superposition due to spontaneous photon scattering. We observe a qualitative change in decoherence versus separation as the number of scattered photons increases, and verify quantitatively the decoherence rate constant in the many-photon limit. Our results illustrate an evolution of decoherence consistent with general models developed for a broad class of decoherence phenomena.
- Received 23 August 2000
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.86.2191
©2001 American Physical Society