Direct imaging of periodic subwavelength patterns generated by optical phase masks

We have demonstrated direct imaging of interference fringes of total atomic density with periods {lambda}/4 and {lambda}/2 for optical wavelength {lambda} that have been produced in a de Broglie wave atom interferometer. The imaging was done by means of an 'optical mask' technique, which allowed us to observe subwavelength periodic patterns with a resolution of up to {lambda}/16. In addition, the dependence of the fringe pattern on the recoil phase and pulse area reveals quantum dynamics in the atomic center-of-mass motion. The behavior of the fringe patterns near the interference times distinguishes the effects of phase gratings from those of amplitude gratings.