Intensity fluctuations of the F=2 87Rb pulsed atom laser

Abstract Intensity fluctuations of the F = 2 87 Rb pulsed atom laser at low output coupling rates have been observed experimentally. Through theoretical simulation and analysis we find that the atom loss of the condensate due to atom laser output leads to fluctuations of the laser pulses, which is inherent to all state changing out-coupling such as rf and Raman. Another factor which causes to large fluctuations is the interference of the output pulses.