Analysis of the loss of coherence in interferometry with matter waves

Full text: We succinctly analyze the various processes inducing loss of coherence in the interference produced by macromolecules diffracted by a grating. The results obtained by numerical simulations show a good agreement with experimental data (e.g., recent experiments with fullerene). This analysis fits also with other interferometry experiments performed by means of matter waves. For instance, as a byproduct, we investigate possible interferometry experiments to test randomness in the arrival times of light particles (e.g., neutrons). (author)