Quantum Nondemolition Measurement of the Motional Energy of a Trapped Atom
R. L. de Matos Filho, W. Vogel · Physical Review Letters · 1996
We propose a quantum nondemolition measurement of the motional energy of an atom confined in a trap. The quantum nondemolition coupling arises from the nonlinear vibronic dynamics of the system which is resonantly driven on a weak electronic transition. Applications are considered, such as laser cooling and preparations of nonclassical states of atomic motion. Examples are vibrational number states and quantum superpositions of coherent states undergoing a Kerr-type nonlinear interaction.