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Bimalendu Deb

Publications and source records attributed to Bimalendu Deb.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Fano effect in an ultracold atom-molecule coupled system

The Fano effect or Fano resonance with a characteristically asymmetric line shape originates from quantum interference between direct and indirect transition pathways in continuum-bound coupled systems, and is a ubiquitous phenomenon in atomic, molecular, nuclear and solid-state physics. In optical nanoscale structures, the Fano effect has wide-ranging applications that include optical filtering, sensing, all-optical switching, quantum interferometry and nonlinear optics, and this opens new avenues for photonic devices. The emergent area of ultracold atomic and molecular gases presents an ideal platform for studying Fano resonances, since the physical parameters of these gases can be extensively tuned with high precision using external fields. However, an experimental demonstration of the Fano effect in hybridized atom-molecular coupled systems has remained elusive. Here, we report on observations of the Fano effect in molecular spectra obtained by photoassociation near a d-wave Feshbach resonance. This effect occurs due to quantum interference in PA transitions involving the continuum of atom-atom scattering states, the underlying Feshbach and photoassociated excited bound molecular states. We measure the variation in atom loss rate with an external magnetic field close to the Feshbach resonance in the presence of PA laser, and thereby clearly demonstrate the Fano effect. Our results further reveal that the Fano effect has significant influence on spectral shifts. Based on Fano's method, we develop a theory that explains the observed experimental results relatively well. Our theoretical formulation takes into account quantum interference between or among multiple transition pathways and between inelastic channels. Our results present a novel method for tuning the collisional interaction strength with laser light using Fano resonance.

quant-ph↗

A model study on a pair of trapped particles interacting with an arbitrary effective range

We study the effects of the effective range of interaction on the eigenvalues and eigenstates of two particles confined in a three-dimensional (3D) isotropic as well as one- or quasi-one dimensional harmonic (1D) traps. For this we employ model potentials which mimic finite-range s-wave interactions over a wide range of s-wave scattering length $a_s$ including the unitarity limits $a_s \rightarrow \pm\infty$. Our results show that when the range is larger than the 3D or 1D harmonic oscillator length scale, the eigenvalues and eigenstates are nearly similar to those of noninteracting two particles in the 3D or 1D trap, respectively. In case of 3D, we find that when the range goes to zero, the results of contact potential as derived by Busch {\it et al.} [Foundations of Physics, {\bf28}, 549 (1998)] are reproduced. However, in the case of 1D, such reproducibility does not occur as the range goes to zero. We have calculated the eigenvalues and eigenstates in 1D harmonic trap taking one-dimensional finite- range model potential. We have also calculated bound state properties of two particles confined in a highly anisotropic quasi-1D trap taking three-dimensional finite-range model potential, and examined whether these quasi-1D results approach towards 1D ones as the aspect ratio $η$ of the radial to axial frequency of the trap increases. We find that if the range is very small compared to the axial size of the trap, then one can reach 1D regime for $η\ge 10000$. However, for large range, one can nearly get 1D results for smaller values of $η$. This study will be important for exploration of two-body or many body physics of trapped ultracold atoms interacting with narrow Feshbach resonance for which the effective range can be large.

physics.atom-ph↗

Formation of a molecular ion by photoassociative Raman processes

We show theoretically that it is possible to form a cold molecular ion from a pair of colliding atom and ion at low energy by photoassociative two-photon Raman processes. We explore the possibility of stimulated Raman adiabatic passage (STIRAP) from the continuum of ion-atom scattering states to an ionic molecular state. We provide physical conditions under which coherent population transfer is possible in stimulated Raman photoassociation. Our results are important for experimental realization of PA in ion-atom cold collisions.

physics.atom-ph↗

Manipulating nanoscale atom-atom interactions with cavity QED

We theoretically explore manipulation of interactions between excited and ground state atoms at nanoscale separations by cavity quantum electrodynamics (CQED). We develop an adiabatic molecular dressed state formalism and show that it is possible to generate Fano-Feshbach resonances between ground and long-lived excited-state atoms inside a cavity. The resonances are shown to arise due to non-adiabatic coupling near a pseudo-crossing between the dressed state potentials. We illustrate our results with a model study using fermionic $^{171}$Yb atoms in a two-modal cavity. Our study is important for manipulation of interatomic interactions at low energy by cavity field.

quant-ph↗

Interactions and low energy collisions between an alkali ion and an alkali atom of different nucleus

We study theoretically interaction potentials and low energy collisions between different alkali atoms and alkali ions. Specifically, we consider systems like X + Y$^{+}$, where X(Y$^{+})$ is either Li(Cs$^+$) or Cs(Li$^+$), Na(Cs$^+$) or Cs(Na$^+$) and Li(Rb$^+$) or Rb(Li$^+$). We calculate the molecular potentials of the ground and first two excited states of these three systems using pseudopotential method and compare our results with those obtained by others. We derive ground-state scattering wave functions and analyze cold collisional properties of these systems for a wide range of energies. We find that, in order to get convergent results for the total scattering cross sections for energies of the order 1 K, one needs to take into account at least 60 partial waves. Low energy scattering properties calculated in this paper may serve as a precursor for experimental exploration of quantum collisions between an alkali atom and an alkali ion of different nucleus.

physics.atom-ph↗

Photoassociative cooling and trapping of a pair of interacting atoms

We show that it is possible to cool interacting pairs of atoms by a lin $\perp$ lin Sisyphus-like laser cooling scheme using counter-propagating photoassociation (PA) lasers. It is shown that the center-of-mass motion (c.m.) of atom pairs can be trapped in molecular spin-dependent periodic potentials generated by the lasers. The proposed scheme is most effective for narrow-line PA transitions. We illustrate this with numerical calculations using fermionic $^{171}$Yb atoms as an example.

physics.atm-clus↗

Interaction of atom with non-paraxial Laguerre-Gaussian beam:Forming superposition of vortex states in Bose-Einstein condensates

The exchange of orbital angular momentum (OAM) between paraxial optical vortex and a Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) of atomic gases is well known. In this paper, we develop a theory for the microscopic interaction between matter and an optical vortex beyond paraxial approximation. We show how superposition of vortex states of BEC can be created with a focused optical vortex. Since, the polarization or spin angular momentum (SAM) of the optical field is coupled with OAM of the field, in this case, these angular momenta can be transferred to the internal electronic and external center-of-mass (c.m.) motion of atoms provided both the motions are coupled. We propose a scheme for producing the superposition of matter-wave vortices using Gaussian and a focused Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) beam. We study how two-photon Rabi frequencies of stimulated Raman transitions vary with focusing angles for different combinations of OAM and SAM of optical states. We demonstrate the formation of vortex-antivortex structure and discuss interference of three vortex states in a BEC.

physics.atom-ph↗

Probing vacuum-induced coherence via magneto-optical rotation in molecular systems

We investigate theoretically the effects of vacuum-induced coherence (VIC) on magneto-optical rotation (MOR). We carry out a model study to show that VIC in the presence of a control laser and a magnetic field can lead to large enhancement in the rotation of the plane of polarization of a linearly polarized weak laser with vanishing circular dichroism. This effect can be realized in cold molecular gases and may be used as a sensitive probe for VIC. Such a large MOR angle can also be used to detect weak magnetic field with large measurement sensitivity.

quant-ph↗

Finite-range model potentials for resonant interactions

We show that it is possible to model two-body resonant interactions at low energy with a class of finite-range potentials based on the methods of Jost and Kohn. These potentials are expressed in terms of the effective range $r_0$ and the $s$-wave scattering length $a_s$. We derive continuum solutions of these potentials. By writing $V_{\pm}(r) = V_{0}(r) + V_{\pm}^ε(r)$, where the sign +(-) refers to positive(negative) scattering length, $ V_{0}(r)$ is of the form of Pöschl-Teller potential and $V_{\pm}^ε$ is expressed as a power series of the small parameter $ε= (\sqrt{1 - 2 r_0/a_s})^{-1} - 1 $ when $a_s$ is large, we derive Green function of $V_{0}(r)$. Using the Green function, solutions of $V_{\pm}(r)$ for $|a_s| >\!> r_0$ can be obtained numerically by treating $V_{\pm}^ε(r)$as a perturbation. We describe the threshold behavior of scattering phase shift for $V_{0}(r)$. This study may be important for developing a better understanding of physics of strongly interacting ultracold atomic gases with tunable interactions.

quant-ph↗

The optical manipulation of matter-wave vortices: An analogue of circular dichroism

The transfer of orbital angular momentum from an optical vortex to an atomic Bose-Einstein condensate changes the vorticity of the condensate. The spatial mismatch between initial and final center-of-mass wavefunctions of the condensate influences significantly the two-photon optical dipole transition between corresponding states. We show that the transition rate depends on the handedness of the optical orbital angular momentum leading to optical manipulation of matter-wave vortices and circular dichroism-like effect. Based on this effect, we propose a method to detect the presence and sign of matter-wave vortex of atomic superfluids. Only a portion of the condensate is used in the proposed detection method leaving the rest in its initial state.

physics.atom-ph↗

A model study on atom-atom interactions with large scattering length in quasi-two dimensional traps

We carry out a model study on two-atom interactions and bound states in quasi-two dimensional traps. The interactions are modeled by two-parameter potentials with parameters being the range $r_0$ and the $s$-wave scattering length $a_s$. We show that one can make use of two forms of finite-range model potentials, one for $a_s > 0$ and the other for $a_s < 0$. Both potentials reduce to same form in the limits $a_s \rightarrow \pm \infty $. We investigate into the dependence of the binding energies and the wave functions of two-atom trap-bound states on $a_s$ and $r_0$. In particular, we study the effects of $a_s$ ranging from large negative to large positive values on the bound state properties. Our results show that long-range interactions with infinite scattering length significantly alter the ground-state energy of the two atoms in a quasi-two or two dimensional trap. In contrast, short-range interactions can not significantly change the ground-state energy of two atoms in a 2D harmonic trap.

physics.atom-ph↗

Creation and manipulation of bound states in continuum with lasers: Applications to cold atoms and molecules

We show theoretically that it is possible to create and manipulate a pair of bound states in continuum in ultracold atoms by two lasers in the presence of a magnetically tunable Feshbach resonance. These bound states are formed due to coherent superposition of two electronically excited molecular bound states and a quasi-bound state in ground-state potential. These superposition states are decoupled from the continuum of two-atom collisional states. Hence, in the absence of other damping processes they are non-decaying. We analyze in detail the physical conditions that can lead to the formation of such states in cold collisions between atoms, and discuss the possible experimental signatures of such states. An extremely narrow and asymmetric shape with a distinct minimum of photoassociative absorption spectrum or scattering cross section as a function of collision energy will indicate the occurrence of a bound state in continuum (BIC). We prove that the minimum will occur at an energy at which the BIC is formed. We discuss how a BIC will be useful for efficient creation of Feshbach molecules and manipulation of cold collisions. Experimental realizations of BIC will pave the way for a new kind of bound-bound spectroscopy in ultracold atoms.

physics.atm-clus↗

Subluminal light pulse propagation in a Λ-type atom-molecule coupled system

We show theoretically the presence of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) like feature in a Λ-type atom-molecule coupled system. We demonstrate that EIT in such a systems has a sharp dispersion characteristic which is useful to slow down light propagation in a medium. The results of our model calculations show that, it is possible to achieve a time delay of the order of 1 ms for a probe field propagating a distance of 1 cm through a medium of ultracold diatomic molecules coupled to the continuum of atom-atom collisional states with a control field. This enables one to reduce the group velocity of the light much below 100 m/s with more than 25% transmission.

physics.optics↗

Optical Feshbach resonances through a molecular dark state: Efficient manipulation of $p$-wave resonances in fermionic $^{171}$Yb atoms

In a recent experiment by Yamazaki {\it et al.} [Phys.Rev. A {\bf 87} 010704 (R) (2013) ], $p$-wave optical Feshbach resonance in fermionic $^{171}$Yb atoms using purely long-range molecular excited states has been demonstrated. We theoretically show that, if two purely long range excited states of $^{171}$Yb are coupled to the ground-state continuum of scattering states with two lasers, then it is possible to significantly suppress photoassociative atom loss by a dark resonance in the excited states. We present a general theoretical framework for creating a dark state in electronically excited molecular potential for the purpose of increasing the efficiency of an optical Feshbach resonance. This can be accomplished by properly adjusting the relative intensity, phase, polarizations and frequency detunings of two lasers. We present selective numerical results on atom loss spectra, $p$-wave elastic and inelastic scattering cross sections of $^{171}$Yb atoms to illustrate the effects of the molecular dark state on optical Feshbach resonance.

physics.atom-ph↗

Angular Momentum Transfer in Interaction of Laguerre-Gaussian Beams with Atoms and Molecules

Exchange of orbital angular momentum between Laguerre-Gaussian beam of light and center-of-mass motion of an atom or molecule is well known. We show that orbital angular momentum of light can also be transferred to the internal electronic or rotational motion of an atom or a molecule provided the internal and center-of-mass motions are coupled. However, this transfer does not happen directly to the internal motion, but via center-of-mass motion. If atoms or molecules are cooled down to recoil limit then an exchange of angular momentum between the quantized center-of-mass motion and the internal motion is possible during interaction of cold atoms or molecules with Laguerre-Gaussian beam. The orientation of the exchanged angular momentum is determined by the sign of the winding number of Laguerre-Gaussian beam. We have presented selective results of numerical calculations for the quadrupole transition rates in interaction of Laguerre-Gaussian beam with an atomic Bose-Einstein condensate to illustrate the underlying mechanism of light orbital angular momentum transfer. We discuss how the alignment of diatomic molecules will facilitate to explore the effects of light orbital angular momentum on electronic motion of molecules.

physics.atom-ph↗

Decay dynamics in a strongly driven atom-molecule coupled system

Within the framework of master equation, we study decay dynamics of an atom-molecule system strongly coupled by two photoassociation lasers. Summing over the infinite number of electromagnetic vacuum modes that are coupled to the laser-dressed atom-molecule system, we obtain an integro-differential master equation for the the system's reduced density matrix. The equation is numerically solved to describe system dynamics in the presence of decay. In particular, we discuss correlated spontaneous emission from a pair of electronically excited diatomic ro-vibrational states due to their laser induced coupling to the ground continuum of atomic scattering states. This allows us to calculate time-dependence of emitted radiation intensity. It exhibits quantum beats due to coherent dynamics. The phase difference between the two driving fields is found to significantly affect the decay dynamics and the beats. Our results demonstrate the possibility to control decay from the molecular excited states and the decoherence between them by changing the relative intensity and the phase between the lasers. We further show that, if the ground-state continuum has a shape resonance at a low energy, then the quantum beats show two distinctive time scales of oscillations in the strong coupling regime. One of the time scales originates from the energy gap between the two excited states while the other time scale corresponds to the collision energy at which free-bound Franck-Condon overlap is resonantly peaked due to the shape resonance.

physics.atom-ph↗

Effects of a static electric field on two-color photoassociation between different atoms

We study non-perturbative effects of a static electric field on two-color photoassociation of different atoms. A static electric field induces anisotropy in scattering between two different atoms and hybridizes field-free rotational states of heteronuclear dimers or polar molecules. In a previous paper [D. Chakraborty $\it {et.}$ $\it {al.}$, J. Phys. B 44, 095201 (2011)], the effects of a static electric field on one-color photoassociation between different atoms has been described through field-modified ground-state scattering states, neglecting electric field effects on heteronuclear diatomic bound states. To study the effects of a static electric field on heteronuclear bound states, and the resulting influence on Raman-type two-color photoassociation between different atoms in the presence of a static electric field, we develop a non-perturbative numerical method to calculate static electric field-dressed heteronuclear bound states. We show that the static electric field induced scattering anisotropy as well as hybridization of rotational states strongly influence two-color photoassociation spectra, leading to significant enhancement in PA rate and large shift. In particular, for static electric field strengths of a few hundred kV/cm, two-color PA rate involving high-lying bound states in electronic ground-state increases by several orders of magnitude even in the weak photoassociative coupling regime.

physics.atom-ph↗

Unitary quantum phase operators for bosons and fermions: A model study on quantum phases of interacting particles in a symmetric double-well potential

We introduce unitary quantum phase operators for material particles. We carry out a model study on quantum phases of interacting bosons in a symmetric double-well potential in terms of unitary and commonly-used non-unitary phase operators and compare the results for different number of bosons. We find that the results for unitary quantum phase operators are significantly different from those for non-unitary ones especially in the case of low number of bosons. We introduce unitary operators corresponding to the quantum phase-difference between two single-particle states of fermions. As an application of fermionic phase operators, we study a simple model of a pair of interacting two-component fermions in a symmetric double-well potential. We also investigate quantum phase and number fluctuations to ascertain number-phase uncertainty in terms of unitary phase operators.

quant-ph↗