Tensorial phases in multiple beam atomic interference

The atomic tensor polarizability in a pulsed optical field can generate a phase-shift scaling quadratically with the interfering path number in a multiple beam Ramsey experiment. The phase can be interpreted as an internal atomic-state version of the electric (or scalar) Aharonov-Bohm effect. In the absence of classical forces, this nonlinear phase shift causes collapse and revival of the Airy-function-like interference pattern. The technique also holds promise for experiments testing for a permanent electric dipole moment of an atom.