Experiment and analysis of state preparation for atom interferometry

The state preparation is a crucial procedure in atom interferometry; however, there is a shortage of detailed experimental studies on determining the optimal method for achieving this. This paper investigates and compares two methods for state preparation: the combined use of microwave and Raman light (M-R) and the combined use of optical pumping, microwave, and Raman light (O-M-W). The experimental results demonstrate that the M-R method improves the efficiency of Raman transitions for atom interference, which is helpful in enhancing the contrast of the interference fringes. The O-M-R method increases the quantity of prepared atoms, thereby enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio of the detected signals. This work helps provide a useful experimental basis and reference for researchers to design a suitable state preparation scheme.