Atom–light superposition oscillation and Ramsey-like atom–light interferometer

Coherent wave splitting is crucial in interferometers. Normally, the waves after this splitting are of the same type. But recent progress in interactions between atom and light has led to the coherent conversion of photon to atomic excitation. This makes it possible to split an incoming light wave into a coherent superposition state of atom and light and paves the way for an interferometer made of different types of waves. Here we report on a Rabi-like coherent-superposition oscillation observed between an atom and light in a Raman process. We construct a new kind of hybrid interferometer based on the atom–light coherent superposition state. Interference fringes are observed in both the optical output intensity and atomic output in terms of the atomic spin wave strength when we scan either or both of the optical and atomic phases. Such a hybrid interferometer can be used to interrogate atomic states by optical detection and will find its applications in precision measurement and quantum control of atoms and light.