arXiv subjects

G. Nienhuis

Publications and source records attributed to G. Nienhuis.

10 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2007

Photons in polychromatic rotating modes

We propose a quantum theory of rotating light beams and study some of its properties. Such beams are polychromatic and have either a slowly rotating polarization or a slowly rotating transverse mode pattern. We show there are, for both cases, three different natural types of modes that qualify as rotating, one of which is a new type not previously considered. We discuss differences between these three types of rotating modes on the one hand and non-rotating modes as viewed from a rotating frame of reference on the other. We present various examples illustrating the possible use of rotating photons, mostly for quantum information processing purposes. We introduce in this context a rotating version of the two-photon singlet state.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2006

Angular spectrum of quantized light beams

We introduce a generalized angular spectrum representation for quantized light beams. By using our formalism, we are able to derive simple expressions for the electromagnetic vector potential operator in the case of: {a)} time-independent paraxial fields, {b)} time-dependent paraxial fields, and {c)} non-paraxial fields. For the first case, the well known paraxial results are fully recovered.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2004

Violation of local realism in a high-dimensional two-photon setup with non-integer spiral phase plates

We propose a novel setup to investigate the quantum non-locality of orbital angular momentum states living in a high-dimensional Hilbert space. We incorporate non-integer spiral phase plates in spatial analyzers, enabling us to use only two detectors. The resulting setup is somewhat reminiscent of that used to measure polarization entanglement. However, the two-photon states that are produced, are not confined to a 2X2-dimensional Hilbert space, and the setup allows the probing of correlations in a high-dimensional space. For the special case of half-integer spiral phase plates, we predict a violation of the Clauser-Horne-Shimony-Holt version of the Bell inequality (S<=2), that is even stronger than achievable for two qubits (S=2*(2^1/2)), namely S=16/5

quant-ph↗

arXiv2004

Coherent control of atom dynamics in an optical lattice

On the basis of a simple exactly solvable model we discuss the possibilities for state preparation and state control of atoms in a periodic optical potential. In addition to the periodic potential a uniform force with an arbitrary time dependence is applied. The method is based on a formal expression for the full evolution operator in the tight-binding limit. This allows us to describe the dynamics in terms of operator algebra, rather than in analytical expansions.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2004

Resonances for coupled Bose-Einstein Condensates

We study some effects arising from periodic modulation of the asymmetry and the barrier height of a two-well potential containing a Bose-Einstein condensate. At certain modulation frequencies the system exhibits resonances, which may lead to enhancement of the tunneling rate between the wells and which can be used to control the particle distribution among the wells. Some of the effects predicted for a two-well system can be carried over to the case of a Bose-Einstein condensate in an optical lattice.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2004

Diffraction and trapping in circular lattices

When a single two-level atom interacts with a pair of Laguerre-Gaussian beams with opposite helicity, this leads to an efficient exchange of angular momentum between the light field and the atom. When the radial motion is trapped by an additional potential, the wave function of a single localized atom can be split into components that rotate in opposite direction. This suggests a novel scheme for atom interferometry without mirror pulses. Also atoms in this configuration can be bound into a circular lattice.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2004

Steady state of atoms in a resonant field with elliptical polarization

We present a complete set of analytical and invariant expressions for the steady-state density matrix of atoms in a resonant radiation field with arbitrary intensity and polarization. The field drives the closed dipole transition with arbitrary values of the angular momenta $J_{g}$ and $J_{e}$ of the ground and excited state. The steady-state density matrix is expressed in terms of spherical harmonics of a complex direction given by the field polarization vector. The generalization to the case of broad-band radiation is given. We indicate various applications of these results.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2003

Phase dynamics of a multimode Bose condensate controlled by decay

The relative phase between two uncoupled BE condensates tends to attain a specific value when the phase is measured. This can be done by observing their decay products in interference. We discuss exactly solvable models for this process in cases where competing observation channels drive the phases to different sets of values. We treat the case of two modes which both emit into the input ports of two beam splitters, and of a linear or circular chain of modes. In these latter cases, the transitivity of relative phase becomes an issue.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2002

Analogy between a two-well Bose-Einstein condensate and atom diffraction

We compare the dynamics of a Bose-Einstein condensate in two coupled potential wells with atoms diffracting from a standing light wave. The corresponding Hamiltonians have an identical appearance, but with a different set of commutation rules. Well-known diffraction phenomena as Pendellosung oscillations between opposite momenta in the case of Bragg diffraction, and adiabatic transitions between momentum states are shown to have analogies in the two-well case. They represent the collective exchange of a fixed number of atoms between the wells.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2002

Does Excess Quantum Noise Exist in Spontaneous Processes?

We investigate the role of excess quantum noise in type-II degenerate parametric down conversion in a cavity with non-orthogonal polarization eigenmodes. Since only two modes are involved we are able to derive an analytical expression for the twin-photon generation rate measured outside the cavity as a function of the degree of mode nonorthogonality. Contrary to recent claims we conclude that there is no evidence of excess quantum noise for a parametric amplifier working so far below threshold that spontaneous processes dominate.

quant-ph↗