Two-dimensional atomic interferometry for creation of nanostructures

Abstract We propose a scheme for large angle two-dimensional atom interferometers employing two-photon pulses. The interferometer scheme utilizes Raman pulses to produce a two-dimensional pattern with independent choice of grating spacings in each direction, each being as small as 2 nm. This scheme may enable one to produce uniform arrays of structures such as quantum dots with dimensions of only a few nm on each side. Ó 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. PACS: 07.10.Yg; 03.75.Dg; 07.60.Ly; 42.50.Vk In recent years, rapid progress has been made in the area of atom interferometry. Sensitivity of the modern atomic beam gyroscopes is exceeding that of ring laser gyroscopes Several schemes of large angle atom cloud splitters have been studied. The interaction of a two level atom with a standing wave light field can produce large splitting angles, but the atoms are scattered into multiple orders [6] because of the sinusoidal nature of the phase grating. The magneto-optic beam-splitte