arXiv subjects

M. B. d'Arcy

Publications and source records attributed to M. B. d'Arcy.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2006

Quantum Accelerator Modes from the Farey Tree

We show that mode-locking finds a purely quantum non-dissipative counterpart in atom-optical quantum accelerator modes. These modes are formed by exposing cold atoms to periodic kicks in the direction of the gravitational field. They are anchored to generalized Arnol'd tongues, parameter regions where driven nonlinear classical systems exhibit mode-locking. A hierarchy for the rational numbers known as the Farey Tree provides an ordering of the Arnol'd tongues and hence of experimentally observed accelerator modes.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2005

Quantum random walks using quantum accelerator modes

We discuss the use of high-order quantum accelerator modes to achieve an atom optical realization of a biased quantum random walk. We first discuss how one can create co-existent quantum accelerator modes, and hence how momentum transfer that depends on the atoms' internal state can be achieved. When combined with microwave driving of the transition between the states, a new type of atomic beam splitter results. This permits the realization of a biased quantum random walk through quantum accelerator modes.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2004

Quantum Mechanical Cumulant Dynamics near Stable Periodic Orbits in Phase Space: Application to the classical-like dynamics of quantum accelerator modes

We formulate a general method for the study of semiclassical-like dynamics in stable regions of a mixed phase-space, in order to theoretically study the dynamics of quantum accelerator modes. In the simplest case, this involves determining solutions, which are stable when constrained to remain pure-state Gaussian wavepackets, and then propagating them using a cumulant-based formalism. Using this methodology, we study the relative longevity, under different parameter regimes, of quantum accelerator modes. Within this attractively simple formalism, we are able to obtain good qualitative agreement with exact wavefunction dynamics.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2004

Gravity-Sensitive Quantum Dynamics in Cold Atoms

We subject a falling cloud of cold cesium atoms to periodic kicks from a sinusoidal potential created by a vertical standing wave of off-resonant laser light. By controllably accelerating the potential, we show quantum accelerator mode dynamics to be highly sensitive to the effective gravitational acceleration when this is close to specific, resonant values. This quantum sensitivity to a control parameter is reminiscent of that associated with classical chaos, and promises techniques for precision measurement.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2002

An accelerator mode based technique for studying quantum chaos

We experimentally demonstrate a method for selecting small regions of phase space for kicked rotor quantum chaos experiments with cold atoms. Our technique uses quantum accelerator modes to selectively accelerate atomic wavepackets with localized spatial and momentum distributions. The potential used to create the accelerator mode and subsequently realize the kicked rotor system is formed by a set of off-resonant standing wave light pulses. We also propose a method for testing whether a selected region of phase space exhibits chaotic or regular behavior using a Ramsey type separated field experiment.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2002

Signatures of quantum stability in a classically chaotic system

We experimentally and numerically investigate the quantum accelerator mode dynamics of an atom optical realization of the quantum delta-kicked accelerator, whose classical dynamics are chaotic. Using a Ramsey-type experiment, we observe interference, demonstrating that quantum accelerator modes are formed coherently. We construct a link between the behavior of the evolution's fidelity and the phase space structure of a recently proposed pseudoclassical map, and thus account for the observed interference visibilities.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2002

Experimental observation of high-order quantum accelerator modes

Using a system consisting of a freely falling cloud of cold cesium atoms periodically kicked by pulses from a vertical standing wave of laser light, we present the first experimental observation of high-order quantum accelerator modes. This confirms the recent prediction by Fishman, Guarneri, and Rebuzzini [Phys. Rev. Lett. 89, 084101 (2002)]. We also show how these accelerator modes can be identified with the stable regions of phase space in a classical-like chaotic system, despite their intrinsically quantum origin.

physics.atom-ph↗