Patent ID: 8289018
Filing Date: 2012-10-16
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
1. A method for measuring a magnetic gradient, comprising: generating a beam of like atoms with magnetic sublevels; applying a first pulse of electro-magnetic radiation to the beam of atoms, wherein the product of the Rabi frequency and T equals π/2, to create a coherent superposition of the magnetic sublevels in the atoms and wherein the superposition results in a plurality of beams following separate paths and wherein at least two of the paths comprise arms of an interferometer; applying a second pulse of electromagnetic radiation to both beams of atoms a time T later with characteristics substantially similar to the first pulse, wherein the product of the Rabi frequency and T equals π, whereby the states of the atoms in the two arms of the interferometer are coherently interchanged and are redirected towards each other; recombining the beams of atoms by apply a third pulse of electromagnetic radiation a time T±Δt after the second pulse with characteristics substantially similar to the first pulse such that the paths form a closed loop; and directing a detecting pulse of electro-magnetic radiation at a time after the third pulse to detect the number of atoms in one magnetic sublevel versus another magnetic sublevel.