The Bragg regime of the two-particle Kapitza-Dirac effect

Abstract

We analyze the Bragg regime of the two-particle Kapitza-Dirac arrangement, completing the basic theory of this effect. We provide a detailed evaluation of the detection probabilities for multi-mode states, showing that a complete description must include the interaction time in addition to the usual dimensionless parameter w. The arrangement can be used as a massive two-particle beam splitter. In this respect, we present a comparison with Hong-Ou-Mandel-type experiments in quantum optics. The analysis reveals the presence of dips for massive bosons and a differentiated behavior of distinguishable and identical particles in an unexplored scenario. We suggest that the arrangement can provide the basis for symmetrization verification schemes