Versatile compact atomic source for high-resolution dual atom interferometry

We present a compact {sup 87}Rb atomic source for high precision dual atom interferometers. The source is based on a double-stage magneto-optical trap (MOT) design, consisting of a two-dimensional (2D) -MOT for efficient loading of a 3D-MOT. The accumulated atoms are precisely launched in a horizontal moving molasses. Our source generates a high atomic flux (>10{sup 10} atoms/s) with precise and flexibly tunable atomic trajectories as required for high resolution Sagnac atom interferometry. We characterize the performance of the source with respect to the relevant parameters of the launched atoms, i.e., temperature, absolute velocity, and pointing, by utilizing time-of-flight techniques and velocity selective Raman transitions.