Using atomic interference to probe atom-surface interactions - art. no. 053402

We show that atomic interference in the reflection from two suitably polari zed evanescent waves is sensitive to retardation effects in the atom-surfac e interaction for specific experimental parameters. We study the limit of s hort and long atomic de Broglie wavelengths. The former case is analyzed in the semiclassical approximation (Landau-Zener model). The latter represent s a quantum regime and is analyzed by solving numerically the associated co upled Schrodinger equations. We consider a specific experimental scheme and show the results for rubidium (short wavelength) and the much lighter meta stable helium atom (long wavelength). The merits of each case are then disc ussed.