Cold-cesium-atom spin-polarization interferometry

We report on the realization of various nine-wave atom polarization interfe rence experiments using pulsed magnetic fields. Diabatic transitions by rap id changes in the applied magnetic-field direction are used to coherently m anipulate the spin coherences of cold cesium atoms. A large number of high- contrast sharply peaked fringes are obtained by state-selecting the outcomi ng cloud. Atom optical components similar to crystal wave plates are implem ented. The spin dynamics is studied under various experimental procedures. When the applied field is homogeneous, the nondispersive character of the p hase shift is evidenced. Fringe blurring related to inhomogeneous effects i s discussed. [S1050-2947(99)04210-9].