arXiv subjects

B. J. Dalton

Publications and source records attributed to B. J. Dalton.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2023

Grassmann Phase Space Theory for the BEC/BCS Crossover in Cold Fermionic Atomic Gases

Grassmann Phase Space Theory (GSPT) is applied to the BEC/BCS crossover in cold fermionic atomic gases and used to determine the evolution (over either time or temperature) of the Quantum Correlation Functions (QCF) that specify: (a) the positions of the spin up and spin down fermionic atoms in a single Cooper pair and (b) the positions of the two spin up and two spin down fermionic atoms in two Cooper pairs The first of these QCF is relevant to describing the change in size of a Cooper pair, as the fermion-fermion coupling constant is changed via Feshbach resonance methods through the crossover from a small Cooper pair on the BEC side to a large Cooper pair on the BCS side. The second of these QCF is important for describing the correlations between the positions of the fermionic atoms in two Cooper pairs, which is expected to be small at the BEC or BCS sides of the crossover, but is expected to be significant in the strong interaction unitary regime, where the size of a Cooper pair is comparable to the separation between Cooper pairs. In GPST the QCF are ultimately given via the stochastic average of products of Grassmann stochastic momentum fields, and GPST shows that the stochastic average of the products of Grassmann stochastic momentum fields at a later time (or lower temperature) is related linearly to the stochastic average of the products of Grassmann stochastic momentum fields at an earlier time (or higher temperature), and that the matrix elements involved in the linear relations are all c-numbers. Expressions for these matrix elements corresponding to a small time or temperature increment have been obtained analytically, providing the formulae needed for numerical studies of the evolution that are planned for a future publication. Various initial conditions are considered, including those for a non-interacting fermionic gas at zero temperature and a high temperature gas.

cond-mat.quant-gas↗

arXiv2021

The CGLMP Bell Inequalities

Quantum non-locality tests have been of interest since the 1960's paper by Bell on the original EPR paradox.The present paper discusses whether the CGLMP (Bell) inequalities are possible tests for showing that quantum theory is not underpinned by local hidden variable theory (LHVT). It is found by applying Fine's theorem that the CGLMP approach involves a LHVT for the joint probabilities associated with the measurement of one observable from each of the two sub-systems, even though the underlying probabilities for joint measurements of all four observables may involve a non-local HVT. The latter HVT probabilities involve simultaneous measurements of observables corresponding to non-commuting quantum operators - allowable in classical theory. Although the CGLMP inequalities involve probabilities for measurements of one observable per sub-system and are compatible with the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, there is no unambiguous quantum measurement process linked to the probabilities in the CGLMP inequalities, and these quantum measurements each have different probabilities. However, violation of a CGLMP inequality based on any one of the possible quantum measurement sequences is sufficient to show that the Collins et al LHVT predicts different results to quantum theory. This occurs for a state considered in their paper - though for observables whose physical interpretation is unclear. In spite of this issue and in spite of the contextuality loophole, it is concluded that the CGLMP inequalities are indeed suitable for ruling out both local (and non-local) hidden variable theories. The state involved could apply to a macroscopic system, so the CGLMP Bell inequalities are important for finding cases of macroscopic violations of Bell locality. Possible experiments in double-well Bose condensates for atoms with two hyperfine components are discussed.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2019

Mesoscopic two-mode entangled and steerable states of 40,000 atoms in a Bose-Einstein condensate interferometer

Using criteria based on superselection rules, we analyze the quantum correlations between the two condensate modes of the Bose-Einstein condensate interferometer of Egorov et al. [Phys. Rev. A 84, 021605 (2011)]. In order to determine the two-mode correlations, we develop a multi-mode theory that describes the dynamics of the condensate atoms and the thermal fraction through the interferometer sequence, in agreement with the experimentally measured fringe visibility. We thus present experimental evidence for two-mode entangled states genuinely involving 40,000 ^{87}Rb atoms, and for two-way steerability between two groups of 20,000 indistinguishable atoms.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2018

Bell Non-Locality in Macroscopic Systems

The categorization of quantum states for composite systems as either separable or entangled, or alternatively as Bell local or Bell non-local states based on local hidden variable theory is reviewed in Sections 1 and 2, focusing on simple bipartite systems. The significance of states demonstrating Bell non-locality for settling the long standing controversy between the Copenhagen interpretation of the quantum measurement process involving the collapse of the wave-function and the alternative interpretation based on pre-existing hidden variables is emphasized. Although experiments demonstrating violations of Bell locality in microscopic systems have now been carried out (see Section 3), there is current interest in finding Bell non-locality in quantum systems on a macroscopic scale, since this is a regime where a classical hidden variable theory might still apply. Progress towards finding macroscopic quantum states that violate Bell inequalities is reviewed in Section 4. A new test for Bell non-locality that applies when the sub-system measured quantities are spin components with large outcomes is described, and applied to four mode systems of identical massive bosons in Bose-Einstein condensates.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2017

The Symmetry Group Paradox for Non-Rigid Molecules

In many situations the energy levels for a quantum system whose Hamiltonian is invariant under a specific symmetry group are split when the Hamiltonian is replaced by a new one with lower symmetry. In non-rigid molecules quantum tunnelling processes allow the molecule to change between different geometrical configurations related by permutations of identical nuclei (or with inversion as well), resulting in the splitting of the energy levels for the rigid molecule case where tunnelling is absent. However, for non-rigid molecules there is apparently a paradoxical situation where although the original rigid molecule energy levels are associated with a symmetry group isomorphic to the point group for the geometrical configuration, the split non-rigid molecule energy levels are associated with a symmetry group consisting of all permutations and inversions related to the quantum tunnelling between configurations, and for which the point group is a sub-group. The resolution of this paradox, where energy level splitting is evidently accompanied by an enlargement of the symmetry group, is the subject of this article.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2012

Phase space theory of Bose-Einstein condensates and time-dependent modes

A phase space theory approach for treating dynamical behaviour of Bose-Einstein condensates applicable to situations such as interferometry with BEC in time-dependent double well potentials is presented. Time-dependent mode functions are used, chosen so that one, two,.. highly occupied modes describe well the physics of interacting condensate bosons in time dependent potentials at well below the transition temperature. Time dependent mode annihilation, creation operators are represented by time dependent phase variables, but time independent total field annihilation, creation operators are represented by time independent field functions. Two situations are treated, one (mode theory) is where specific mode annihilation, creation operators and their related phase variables and distribution functions are dealt with, the other (field theory) is where only field creation, annihilation operators and their related field functions and distribution functionals are involved. The paper focuses on the hybrid approach, where the modes are divided up between condensate (highly occupied) modes and non-condensate (sparsely occupied) modes. It is found that there are extra terms in the Ito stochastic equations both for the stochastic phases and stochastic fields, involving coupling coefficients defined via overlap integrals between mode functions and their time derivatives. For the hybrid approach both the Fokker-Planck and functional Fokker-Planck equations differ from those derived via the correspondence rules, the drift vectors are unchanged but the diffusion matrices contain additional terms involving the coupling coefficients. Results are also presented for the combined approach where all the modes are treated as one set.

cond-mat.quant-gas↗

arXiv2010

Decoherence effects in Bose-Einstein condensate interferometry. I General Theory

The present paper outlines a basic theoretical treatment of decoherence and dephasing effects in interferometry based on single component BEC in double potential wells, where two condensate modes may be involved. Results for both two mode condensates and the simpler single mode condensate case are presented. A hybrid phase space distribution functional method is used where the condensate modes are described via a truncated Wigner representation, and the basically unoccupied non-condensate modes are described via a positive P representation. The Hamiltonian for the system is described in terms of quantum field operators for the condensate and non-condensate modes. The functional Fokker-Planck equation for the double phase space distribution functional is derived. Equivalent Ito stochastic equations for the condensate and non-condensate fields that replace the field operators are obtained, and stochastic averages of products of these fields give the quantum correlation functions used to interpret interferometry experiments. The stochastic field equations are the sum of a deterministic term obtained from the drift vector in the functional Fokker-Planck equation, and a noise field whose stochastic properties are determined from the diffusion matrix in the functional Fokker-Planck equation. The noise field stochastic properties are similar to those for Gaussian-Markov processes in that the stochastic averages of odd numbers of noise fields are zero and those for even numbers of noise field terms are sums of products of stochastic averages associated with pairs of noise fields. However each pair is represented by an element of the diffusion matrix rather than products of the noise fields themselves. The treatment starts from a generalised mean field theory for two condensate mode. The generalized mean field theory solutions are needed for calculations using the Ito stochastic field equations.

cond-mat.quant-gas↗

arXiv2007

Cascade atom in high-Q cavity: The spectrum for non-Markovian decay

The spontaneous emission spectrum for a three level cascade configuration atom in a single mode high-Q cavity coupled to a zero temperature reservoir of continuum external modes is determined from the atom-cavity mode master equation using the quantum regression theorem. Initially the atom is in its upper state and the cavity mode empty of photons. Following Glauber, the spectrum is defined via the response of a detector atom. Spectra are calculated for the detector located inside the cavity (case A), outside the cavity end mirror (Case B-end emission), or placed for emission out the side of the cavity (Case C). The spectra for case A and case B are found to be essentially the same. In all the cases the predicted lineshapes are free of instrumental effects and only due to cavity decay. Spectra are presented for intermediate and strong coupling regime situations (where both atomic transitions are resonant with the cavity frequency), for cases of non-zero cavity detuning, and for cases where the two atomic transition frequencies differ. The spectral features for Cases B(A) and C are qualitatively similar, with six spectral peaks for resonance cases and eight for detuned cases. These general features of the spectra can be understood via the dressed atom model. However, Case B and C spectra differ in detail, with the latter exhibiting a deep spectral hole at the cavity frequency due to quantum interference effects.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2006

Asymmetric double-well potential for single atom interferometry

We consider the evolution of a single-atom wavefunction in a time-dependent double-well interferometer in the presence of a spatially asymmetric potential. We examine a case where a single trapping potential is split into an asymmetric double well and then recombined again. The interferometer involves a measurement of the first excited state population as a sensitive measure of the asymmetric potential. Based on a two-mode approximation a Bloch vector model provides a simple and satisfactory description of the dynamical evolution. We discuss the roles of adiabaticity and asymmetry in the double-well interferometer. The Bloch model allows us to account for the effects of asymmetry on the excited state population throughout the interferometric process and to choose the appropriate splitting, holding and recombination periods in order to maximize the output signal. We also compare the outcomes of the Bloch vector model with the results of numerical simulations of the multi-state time-dependent Schroedinger equation.

cond-mat.other↗

arXiv2006

Theory of non-Markovian decay of a cascade atom in high-Q cavities and photonic band-gap materials

The dynamics of a three-level atom in a cascade configuration with both transitions coupled to a single structured reservoir of quantized field modes is treated using Laplace transform methods applied to the coupled amplitude equations. Results are also obtained from master equations by two different approaches, that is, involving either pseudomodes or quasimodes. Two different types of reservoir are considered, namely a high-Q cavity and a photonic band-gap system, in which the respective reservoir structure functions involve Lorentzians. Non-resonant transitions are included in the model. In all cases non-Markovian behaviour for the atomic system can be found, such as oscillatory decay for the high-Q cavity case and population trapping for the photonic band-gap case. In the master equation approaches, the atomic system is augmented by a small number of pseudomodes or quasimodes, which in the quasimode approach themselves undergo Markovian relaxation into a flat reservoir of continuum quasimodes. Results from these methods are found to be identical to those from the Laplace transform method including two-photon excitation of the reservoir with both emitting sequences. This shows that complicated non-Markovian decays of an atomic system into structured EM field reservoirs can be described by Markovian models for the atomic system coupled to a small number of pseudomodes or quasimodes.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2003

Non-Markovian Decay of a Three Level Cascade Atom in a Structured Reservoir

We present a formalism that enables the study of the non-Markovian dynamics of a three-level ladder system in a single structured reservoir. The three-level system is strongly coupled to a bath of reservoir modes and two quantum excitations of the reservoir are expected. We show that the dynamics only depends on reservoir structure functions, which are products of the mode density with the coupling constant squared. This result may enable pseudomode theory to treat multiple excitations of a structured reservoir. The treatment uses Laplace transforms and an elimination of variables to obtain a formal solution. This can be evaluated numerically (with the help of a numerical inverse Laplace transform) and an example is given. We also compare this result with the case where the two transitions are coupled to two separate structured reservoirs (where the example case is also analytically solvable).

quant-ph↗

arXiv2003

Scaling of Decoherence Effects in Quantum Computers

The scaling of decoherence rates with the number of q-bits is studied for a simple quantum computer model. Two state q-bits are localised around well-separated positions via trapping potentials, but vibrational motion of q-bits centre of mass motion occurs. Coherent one and two q-bit gating processes are controlled by external classical fields and facilitated by a high Q cavity mode. Decoherence due to q-bit and cavity mode coupling to a bath of spontaneous emission modes, cavity decay modes and to the vibrational modes is treated. A non-Markovian treatment of the short time behaviour of the fidelity is presented, enabling time scales for decoherence to be determined, together with their dependence on q-bit number for the case where the q-bit/cavity mode system is in a pure state and the baths are in thermal states.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2001

Field Quantization, Photons and Non-Hermitean Modes

Field quantization in three dimensional unstable optical systems is treated by expanding the vector potential in terms of non-Hermitean (Fox-Li) modes in both the cavity and external regions. The cavity non-Hermitean modes (NHM) are treated using the paraxial and monochromaticity approximations. The NHM bi-orthogonality relationships are used in a standard canonical quantization procedure based on introducing generalised coordinates and momenta for the electromagnetic (EM) field. The quantum EM field is equivalent to a set of quantum harmonic oscillators (QHO), associated with either the cavity or the external region NHM. This confirms the validity of the photon model in unstable optical systems, though the annihilation and creation operators for each QHO are not Hermitean adjoints. The quantum Hamiltonian for the EM field is the sum of non-commuting cavity and external region contributions, each of which is sum of independent QHO Hamiltonians for each NHM, but the external field Hamiltonian also includes a coupling term responsible for external NHM photon exchange processes. Cavity energy gain and loss processes is associated with the non-commutativity of cavity and external region operators, given in terms of surface integrals involving cavity and external region NHM functions on the cavity-external region boundary. The spontaneous decay of a two-level atom inside an unstable cavity is treated using the essential states approach and the rotating wave approximation. Atomic transitions leading to cavity NHM photon absorption have a different coupling constant to those leading to photon emission, a feature resulting from the use of NHM functions. Under certain conditions the decay rate is enhanced by the Petermann factor.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2001

Theory of Pseudomodes in Quantum Optical Processes

This paper deals with non-Markovian behaviour in atomic systems coupled to a structured reservoir of quantum EM field modes, with particular relevance to atoms interacting with the field in high Q cavities or photonic band gap materials. In cases such as the former, we show that the pseudo mode theory for single quantum reservoir excitations can be obtained by applying the Fano diagonalisation method to a system in which the atomic transitions are coupled to a discrete set of (cavity) quasimodes, which in turn are coupled to a continuum set of (external) quasimodes with slowly varying coupling constants and continuum mode density. Each pseudomode can be identified with a discrete quasimode, which gives structure to the actual reservoir of true modes via the expressions for the equivalent atom-true mode coupling constants. The quasimode theory enables cases of multiple excitation of the reservoir to now be treated via Markovian master equations for the atom-discrete quasimode system. Applications of the theory to one, two and many discrete quasimodes are made. For a simple photonic band gap model, where the reservoir structure is associated with the true mode density rather than the coupling constants, the single quantum excitation case appears to be equivalent to a case with two discrete quasimodes.

quant-ph↗