We describe a new method to determine the position of the atomic cloud during
its interaction with the microwave field in the cavity of a fountain clock. The
positional information is extracted from the spectrum of the F=3,mF=0 to
F=4,mF=-1 hyperfine transition, which shows a position dependent asymmetry when
the magnetic C-field is tilted by a few degrees with respect to the cavity
axis. Analysis of this spectral asymmetry provides the horizontal
center-of-mass position for the ensemble of atoms contributing to frequency
measurements. With an uncertainty on the order of 0.1 mm, the obtained
information is useful for putting limits on the systematic uncertainty due to
distributed cavity phase gradients. The validity of the new method is
demonstrated through experimental evidence.Comment: 6 figures, submitted to PR