Abstract

We present a potential scheme to detect weak forces by employing a BEC confined in a double-well potential. Initially the condensate is prepared in a coherent superposition of having all the atoms in one well or the other. We allow the condensate to experience a phase shift for a certain time τ under the influence of the force. The phase shift can be detected by using the technique analogous to the Ramsey interference. The interference fringes can be read out by performing a homodyne measurement on the condensate localized in one well. We have analyzed the limitations on the accuracy of the scheme and show that a high-precision measurement can be achieved if the condensate contains a large number of coherently condensed atoms.

© 1999 Optical Society of America