Ramsey interference in one dimensional systems: The full distribution function of fringe contrast as a probe of many-body dynamics

Abstract

We theoretically analyze Ramsey interference experiments in one dimensional quasi-condensates and obtain explicit expressions for the time evolution of full distribution functions of fringe contrast. We show that distribution functions contain unique signatures of the many-body mechanism of decoherence. We argue that Ramsey interference experiments provide a powerful tool for analyzing strongly correlated nature of 1D interacting systems.

5 pages, 2 figures