Time-domain high-finesse atom interferometry

We report on experiments of multiple-beam atom interferometry in the time domain. Laser-cooled and trapped atoms interact with atomic "multiple beam splitters" realized by time sequences of resonant laser pulses. The output signals of the interferometers show Fabry-Perot-like high-finesse interference structures. The number of interfering de Broglie waves is adjustable and in principle not limited in this scheme. We present the experimental realization of up to 160 interfering partial waves. © 1999 The American Physical Society.