Goos-Hänchen-Like Shifts in Atom Optics

Abstract

We consider the propagation of a matter wavepacket of two-level atoms through a square potential created by a super-Gaussian laser beam. We explore the matter wave analog of Goos-Hänchen shift within the framework of atom optics where the roles of atom and light is exchanged with respect to conventional optics. Using a vector theory, where atoms are treated as particles possessing two internal spin components, we show that not only large negative but also large positive Goos-Hänchen shifts can occur in the reflected atomic beam.

7 pages, 4 figures