arXiv subjects

Alan Kostelecky

Publications and source records attributed to Alan Kostelecky.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

arXiv1996

Revival Structure of Stark Wave Packets

The revival structure of Stark wave packets is considered. These wave packets have energies depending on two quantum numbers and are characterized by two sets of classical periods and revival times. The additional time scales result in revival structures different from those of free Rydberg wave packets. We show that Stark wave packets can exhibit fractional revivals. We also show that these wave packets exhibit particular features unique to the Stark effect. For instance, the wave functions can be separated into distinct sums over even and odd values of the principal quantum number. These even and odd superpositions interfere in different ways, which results in unexpected periodicities in the interferograms of Stark wave packets.

quant-ph↗

arXiv1996

CPT, Strings, and Neutral-Meson Systems

This talk provides an overview of a string-based mechanism for spontaneous CPT violation. A summary is given of theoretical developments. The mechanism could generate CPT-violating contributions to a four-dimensional low-energy effective theory and thereby produce detectable consequences for candidate experiments with neutral-meson systems.

hep-ph↗

arXiv1996

CPT, Strings, and Neutral-Meson Oscillations

A mechanism for spontaneous CPT breaking appears in string theory. Possible implications for present-energy particle models are discussed. A realistic string theory might exhibit CPT violation at levels detectable in current or future experiments. Bounds on CPT from neutral-meson oscillations are considered.

hep-ph↗

arXiv1996

CPT, Strings, and Neutral Mesons

A sketch of our results on CPT and strings is given. A mechanism for spontaneous CPT violation in string theory is briefly reviewed, and recent theoretical progress is summarized. Possible CPT-violating contributions to a four-dimensional low-energy effective theory could produce effects at levels testable in neutral-meson systems. Likely experimental signatures and attainable bounds are outlined in candidate experiments with correlated and uncorrelated neutral mesons.

hep-ph↗

arXiv1996

Bounding CPT Violation in the Neutral-B System

The feasibility of placing bounds on CPT violation from experiments with neutral-$B$ mesons is examined. We consider situations with uncorrelated mesons and ones with either unboosted or boosted correlated mesons. Analytical expressions valid for small T- and CPT-violating parameters are presented for time-dependent and time-integrated decay rates, and various relevant asymmetries are derived. We use Monte-Carlo simulations to model experimental conditions for a plausible range of CPT-violating parameters. The treatment uses realistic data incorporating background effects, resolutions, and acceptances for typical detectors at LEP, CESR, and the future $B$ factories. Presently, there are no bounds on CPT violation in the $B$ system. We demonstrate that limits of order 10\% on CPT violation can be obtained from data already extant, and we determine the CPT reach attainable within the next few years.

hep-ph↗

arXiv1996

Expectation Values, Lorentz Invariance, and CPT in the Open Bosonic String

The issue of spontaneous breaking of Lorentz and CPT invariance is studied in the open bosonic string using a truncation scheme to saturate the string-field action at successively higher levels. We find strong evidence for the existence of extrema of the action with nonzero expectation values for certain fields. The Lorentz- and CPT-preserving solution previously suggested in the literature is confirmed through level 12 in the action. A family of Lorentz-breaking, CPT-preserving solutions of the equations of motion is found to persist and converge through level 18 in the action. Two sequences of solutions spontaneously breaking both Lorentz invariance and CPT are discussed. The analysis at this level involves the analytical form of over 20,000 terms in the static potential.

hep-th↗

arXiv1996

Radial Coulomb and Oscillator Systems in Arbitrary Dimensions

A mapping is obtained relating analytical radial Coulomb systems in any dimension greater than one to analytical radial oscillators in any dimension. This mapping, involving supersymmetry-based quantum-defect theory, is possible for dimensions unavailable to conventional mappings. Among the special cases is an injection from bound states of the three-dimensional radial Coulomb system into a three-dimensional radial isotropic oscillator where one of the two systems has an analytical quantum defect. The issue of mapping the continuum states is briefly considered.

quant-ph↗

arXiv1995

Solitonic Black Holes in Gauged N=2 Supergravity

A sequence of zero-temperature black-hole spacetimes with angular momentum and electric and magnetic charges is shown to exist in gauged $N=2$ supergravity. Stability of a subset of these spacetimes is demonstrated by saturation of the Bogomol'nyi bound arising from the supersymmetry algebra. The mass of the resulting solitonic black holes is given in terms of the cosmological constant and the angular momentum. We conjecture that at the quantum level these solitons are dyons with angular momentum determined by the electric and magnetic charges.

hep-th↗

arXiv1995

Minimum-Uncertainty Angular Wave Packets and Quantized Mean Values

Uncertainty relations between a bounded coordinate operator and a conjugate momentum operator frequently appear in quantum mechanics. We prove that physically reasonable minimum-uncertainty solutions to such relations have quantized expectation values of the conjugate momentum. This implies, for example, that the mean angular momentum is quantized for any minimum-uncertainty state obtained from any uncertainty relation involving the angular-momentum operator and a conjugate coordinate. Experiments specifically seeking to create minimum-uncertainty states localized in angular coordinates therefore must produce packets with integer angular momentum.

quant-ph↗

arXiv1995

The Evolution and Revival Structure of Localized Quantum Wave Packets

Localized quantum wave packets can be produced in a variety of physical systems and are the subject of much current research in atomic, molecular, chemical, and condensed-matter physics. They are particularly well suited for studying the classical limit of a quantum-mechanical system. The motion of a localized quantum wave packet initially follows the corresponding classical motion. However, in most cases the quantum wave packet spreads and undergoes a series of collapses and revivals. We present a generic treatment of wave-packet evolution, and we provide conditions under which various types of revivals occur in ideal form. The discussion is at a level appropriate for an advanced undergraduate or first-year graduate course in quantum mechanics. Explicit examples of different types of revival structure are provided, and physical applications are discussed.

quant-ph↗

arXiv1995

Keplerian Squeezed States and Rydberg Wave Packets

We construct minimum-uncertainty solutions of the three-dimensional Schrödinger equation with a Coulomb potential. These wave packets are localized in radial and angular coordinates and are squeezed states in three dimensions. They move on elliptical keplerian trajectories and are appropriate for the description of the corresponding Rydberg wave packets, the production of which is the focus of current experimental effort. We extend our analysis to incorporate the effects of quantum defects in alkali-metal atoms, which are used in experiments.

quant-ph↗

arXiv1995

Testing CPT with the Neutral-D System

We investigate the issue of testing CPT invariance in the neutral-$D$ system, using $D$ events obtained either from fixed-target experiments or from a tau-charm factory. For both types of experiments we show that the expected suppression of mixing in the $D$ system, normally viewed as a disadvantage for CP tests, allows unsuppressed measurement of certain parameters describing CPT violation. Asymmetries are presented that permit the extraction of parameters for direct CPT violation in the $D$ system and for indirect CPT violation in the $K$ system. We also show that experiments on the neutral-$D$ system provide an alternative means for measuring conventional indirect $T$ violation in the kaon system.

hep-ph↗

arXiv1995

Elliptical Squeezed States and Rydberg Wave Packets

We present a theoretical construction for closest-to-classical wave packets localized in both angular and radial coordinates and moving on a keplerian orbit. The method produces a family of elliptical squeezed states for the planar Coulomb problem that minimize appropriate uncertainty relations in radial and angular coordinates. The time evolution of these states is studied for orbits with different semimajor axes and eccentricities. The elliptical squeezed states may be useful for a description of the motion of Rydberg wave packets excited by short-pulsed lasers in the presence of external fields, which experiments are attempting to produce. We outline an extension of the method to include certain effects of quantum defects appearing in the alkali-metal atoms used in experiments.

quant-ph↗

arXiv1995

The Revival Structure of Rydberg Wave Packets Beyond the Revival Time

After a Rydberg wave packet forms, it is known to undergo a series of collapses and revivals within a time period called the revival time $t_{\rm rev}$, at the end of which it resembles its original shape. We study the behavior of Rydberg wave packets on time scales much greater than $t_{\rm rev}$. We find that after a few revival cycles the wave packet ceases to reform at multiples of the revival time. Instead, a new series of collapses and revivals commences, culminating after a time period $t_{\rm sr} \gg t_{\rm rev}$ with the formation of a wave packet that more closely resembles the initial packet than does the full revival at time $t_{\rm rev}$. Furthermore, at times that are rational fractions of $t_{\rm sr}$, we show that the motion of the wave packet is periodic with periodicities that can be expressed as fractions of the revival time $t_{\rm rev}$. These periodicities indicate a new type of fractional revival, occurring for times much greater than $t_{\rm rev}$. We also examine the effects of quantum defects and laser detunings on the revival structure of Rydberg wave packets for alkali-metal atoms.

quant-ph↗

arXiv1995

Superrevivals of Rydberg Wave Packets

The revival structure and evolution of Rydberg wave packets are studied on a time scale much greater than the revival time $t_{\rm rev}$. We find a new level of revival structure and periodic motion different from that of the known fractional revivals. The new sequence of revivals culminates with the formation of a wave packet that more closely resembles the initial packet than does the full revival at time $t_{\rm rev}$. We refer to such a revival as a superrevival. We also show that an initial radial wave packet may be described as a type of squeezed state known as a radial squeezed state. Our results apply not only for hydrogenic wave packets, but for wave packets in alkali-metal atoms as well in the context of quantum defect theory.

quant-ph↗

arXiv1995

Long-Term Evolution and Revival Structure of Rydberg Wave Packets

It is known that, after formation, a Rydberg wave packet undergoes a series of collapses and revivals within a time period called the revival time, $t_{\rm rev}$, at the end of which it is close to its original shape. We study the behavior of Rydberg wave packets on time scales much greater than $t_{\rm rev}$. We show that after a few revival cycles the wave packet ceases to reform at multiples of the revival time. Instead, a new series of collapses and revivals commences, culminating after a time period $t_{\rm sr} \gg t_{\rm rev}$ with the formation of a wave packet that more closely resembles the initial packet than does the full revival at time $t_{\rm rev}$. Furthermore, at times that are rational fractions of $t_{\rm sr}$, the square of the autocorrelation function exhibits large peaks with periodicities that can be expressed as fractions of the revival time $t_{\rm rev}$. These periodicities indicate a new type of fractional revival occurring for times much greater than $t_{\rm rev}$. A theoretical explanation of these effects is outlined.

quant-ph↗

arXiv1995

Atomic Supersymmetry, Rydberg Wave Packets, and Radial Squeezed States

We study radial wave packets produced by short-pulsed laser fields acting on Rydberg atoms, using analytical tools from supersymmetry-based quantum-defect theory. We begin with a time-dependent perturbative calculation for alkali-metal atoms, incorporating the atomic-excitation process. This provides insight into the general wave packet behavior and demonstrates agreement with conventional theory. We then obtain an alternative analytical description of a radial wave packet as a member of a particular family of squeezed states, which we call radial squeezed states. By construction, these have close to minimum uncertainty in the radial coordinates during the first pass through the outer apsidal point. The properties of radial squeezed states are investigated, and they are shown to provide a description of certain aspects of Rydberg atoms excited by short-pulsed laser fields. We derive expressions for the time evolution and the autocorrelation of the radial squeezed states, and we study numerically and analytically their behavior in several alkali-metal atoms. Full and fractional revivals are observed. Comparisons show agreement with other theoretical results and with experiment.

quant-ph↗

arXiv1995

Atomic Supersymmetry, Oscillators, and the Penning Trap

This paper begins with some background information and a summary of results in atomic supersymmetry. The connection between the supersymmetric Coulomb and oscillator problems in arbitrary dimensions is outlined. Next, I treat the issue of finding a description of supersymmetry-based quantum-defect theory in terms of oscillators. A model with an anharmonic term that yields analytical eigenfunctions is introduced to solve this problem in arbitrary dimensions. Finally, I show that geonium atoms (particles contained in a Penning trap) offer a realization of a multidimensional harmonic oscillator in an idealized limit. The anharmonic theory presented here provides a means of modeling the realistic case.

quant-ph↗