Phase dynamics in a binary-collision atom-laser scheme

Various aspects of the phase dynamics of an atom-laser scheme based on binary collisions are investigated. Analytical estimates of the influence of elastic atom-atom collisions on the laser linewidth are given, and linewidths achievable in a recently proposed atom-laser scheme ͓M. G. Moore and P. Meystre, Phys. Rev. A 56, 2989 ͑1997͔͒ are evaluated explicitly. The extent to which a relative phase can be established between two interfering atom lasers as well as the properties of this phase are also investigated. ͓S1050-2947͑98͒03506-9