Time-normalized correlation function of ultracold atomic gas released from an optical lattice

The time-correlation function of ultracold atomic gas is theoretically investigated. Atoms are initially confined in an optical lattice and in a Mott insulator regime. We consider the effect of gravity on the time correlation among atomic wave functions when the atomic cloud is released from the optical lattice. The time-correlation function in this process displays sharp peaks, a feature that is analogous to the spatial-normalized correlation observed in recent experiments. The origin and properties of the interference pattern are theoretically investigated in detail. Similar to the spatial correlation, the time correlation in expanding atomic clouds reveals the ordering of indistinguishable particles in an optical lattice. Experimental detection scheme and its potential use in the measurement of gravitational acceleration are briefly discussed.