Interaction effects in matter-wave Fabry-Perot scattering

We theoretically explore the dynamical properties of Bose-Einstein condensed matter-waves scattering off a Fabry-Perot cavity formed by light-induced potential barriers. Such scattering dynamics can be used to prepare wavepackets strongly localized in momentum around the cavity resonances, allowing one to resolve energetic features with increased precision. While non-interacting matter-waves exhibit known transmission properties analogous to photonic counterparts, collisional interatomic interactions considerably change the transmission spectrum, washing out cavity resonances. We develop methods to suppress such broadening through careful control of matter-wave dynamics before and during collision with the cavity. Going further, we study the fundamental role of interactions in coupling the bound and scattering states, and we examine the use of interactions to improve momentum resolution beyond non-interacting capabilities for such experiments.