arXiv subjects

P. D. Drummond

Publications and source records attributed to P. D. Drummond.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2008

Qubit phase-space: SU(n) coherent state P-representations

We introduce a phase-space representation for qubits and spin models. The technique uses an SU(n) coherent state basis, and can equally be used for either static or dynamical simulations. We review previously known definitions and operator identities, and show how these can be used to define an off-diagonal, positive phase-space representation analogous to the positive P-function. As an illustration of the phase-space method, we use the example of the Ising model, which has exact solutions for the finite temperature canonical ensemble in two dimensions. We show how a canonical ensemble for an Ising model of arbitrary structure can be efficiently simulated using SU(2) or atomic coherent states. The technique utilizes a transformation from a canonical (imaginary-time) weighted simulation to an equivalent unweighted real-time simulation. The results are compared to the exactly soluble two-dimensional case. We note that Ising models in one, two or three dimensions are potentially achievable experimentally as a lattice-gas of ultra-cold atoms in optical lattices. The technique is not restricted to canonical ensembles or to Ising-like couplings. It is also able to be used for real-time evolution, and for systems whose time-evolution follows a master-equation describing decoherence and coupling to external reservoirs. The case of SU(n) phase-space is used to describe n-level systems. In general, the requirement that time-evolution is stochastic corresponds to a restriction to Hamiltonians and master-equations that are quadratic in the group generators or generalized spin operators.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2007

Bell inequalities for continuous-variable correlations

We derive a new class of correlation Bell-type inequalities. The inequalities are valid for any number of outcomes of two observables per each of n parties, including continuous and unbounded observables. We show that there are no first-moment correlation Bell inequalities for that scenario, but such inequalities can be found if one considers at least second moments. The derivation stems from a simple variance inequality by setting local commutators to zero. We show that above a constant detector efficiency threshold, the continuous variable Bell violation can survive even in the macroscopic limit of large n. This method can be used to derive other well-known Bell inequalities, shedding new light on the importance of non-commutativity for violations of local realism.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2007

Quantum dynamics in phase space: From coherent states to the Gaussian representation

We give an outlook on the future of coherence theory and many-body quantum dynamics as experiments develop in the arena of ultra-cold atoms. Novel results on quantum heating of center-of-mass temperature in evaporative cooling and simulation methods for long-range interactions are obtained, using positive-P phase-space techniques.

cond-mat.other↗

arXiv2007

Coherence and Correlations in Atom Lasers

We review and characterize the quantum coherence measures that are most useful for quantum gases, including Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC) and ultra-cold fermions, and outline how to calculate these in the typically dynamical environment of an interacting multi-mode quantum gas.

cond-mat.other↗

arXiv2007

Correlations in a BEC collision: First-principles quantum dynamics with 150 000 atoms

The quantum dynamics of colliding Bose-Einstein condensates with 150 000 atoms are simulated directly from the Hamiltonian using the stochastic positive-P method. Two-body correlations between the scattered atoms and their velocity distribution are found for experimentally accessible parameters. Hanbury Brown-Twiss or thermal-like correlations are seen for copropagating atoms, while number correlations for counterpropagating atoms are even stronger than thermal correlations at short times. The coherent phase grains grow in size as the collision progresses with the onset of growth coinciding with the beginning of stimulated scattering. The method is versatile and usable for a range of cold atom systems.

cond-mat.other↗

arXiv2006

Quantum many-body simulations using Gaussian phase-space representations

Phase-space representations are of increasing importance as a viable and successful means to study exponentially complex quantum many-body systems from first principles. This review traces the background of these methods, starting from the early work of Wigner, Glauber and Sudarshan. We focus on modern phase-space approaches using non-classical phase-space representations. These lead to the Gaussian representation, which unifies bosonic and fermionic phase-space. Examples treated include quantum solitons in optical fibers, colliding Bose-Einstein condensates, and strongly correlated fermions on lattices.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2006

Many-body quantum dynamics of polarisation squeezing in optical fibre

We report new experiments that test quantum dynamical predictions of polarization squeezing for ultrashort photonic pulses in a birefringent fibre, including all relevant dissipative effects. This exponentially complex many-body problem is solved by means of a stochastic phase-space method. The squeezing is calculated and compared to experimental data, resulting in excellent quantitative agreement. From the simulations, we identify the physical limits to quantum noise reduction in optical fibres. The research represents a significant experimental test of first-principles time-domain quantum dynamics in a one-dimensional interacting Bose gas coupled to dissipative reservoirs.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2006

First-principles quantum dynamics in interacting Bose gases II: stochastic gauges

First principles simulations of the quantum dynamics of interacting Bose gases using the stochastic gauge representation are analyzed. In a companion paper, we showed how the positive P representation can be applied to these problems using stochastic differential equations. That method, however, is limited by increased sampling error as time evolves. Here, we show how the sampling error can be greatly reduced and the simulation time significantly extended using stochastic gauges. In particular, local stochastic gauges (a subset) are investigated. Improvements are confirmed in numerical calculations of single-, double-, and multi-mode systems in the weak mode coupling regime. Convergence issues are investigated, including the recognition of two modes by which stochastic equations produced by phase space methods in general can diverge: movable singularities and a noise-weight relationship. The example calculated here displays wave-like behaviour in spatial correlation functions propagating in a uniform 1D gas after a sudden change in the coupling constant.This could in principle be tested experimentally using Feshbach resonance methods.

cond-mat.other↗

arXiv2006

First-principles quantum dynamics in interacting Bose gases I: The positive P representation

The performance of the positive P phase-space representation for exact many-body quantum dynamics is investigated. Gases of interacting bosons are considered, where the full quantum equations to simulate are of a Gross-Pitaevskii form with added Gaussian noise. This method gives tractable simulations of many-body systems because the number of variables scales linearly with the spatial lattice size. An expression for the useful simulation time is obtained, and checked in numerical simulations. The dynamics of first-, second- and third-order spatial correlations are calculated for a uniform interacting 1D Bose gas subjected to a change in scattering length. Propagation of correlations is seen. A comparison is made to other recent methods. The positive P method is particularly well suited to open systems as no conservation laws are hard-wired into the calculation. It also differs from most other recent approaches in that there is no truncation of any kind.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2005

Gaussian operator bases for correlated fermions

We formulate a general multi-mode Gaussian operator basis for fermions, to enable a positive phase-space representation of correlated Fermi states. The Gaussian basis extends existing bosonic phase-space methods to Fermi systems and thus enables first-principles dynamical or equilibrium calculations in quantum many-body Fermi systems. We prove the completeness and positivity of the basis, and derive differential forms for products with one- and two-body operators. Because the basis satisfies fermionic superselection rules, the resulting phase space involves only c-numbers, without requiring anti-commuting Grassmann variables.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2005

Gaussian phase-space representations for fermions

We introduce a positive phase-space representation for fermions, using the most general possible multi-mode Gaussian operator basis. The representation generalizes previous bosonic quantum phase-space methods to Fermi systems. We derive equivalences between quantum and stochastic moments, as well as operator correspondences that map quantum operator evolution onto stochastic processes in phase space. The representation thus enables first-principles quantum dynamical or equilibrium calculations in many-body Fermi systems. Potential applications are to strongly interacting and correlated Fermi gases, including coherent behaviour in open systems and nanostructures described by master equations. Examples of an ideal gas and the Hubbard model are given, as well as a generic open system, in order to illustrate these ideas.

cond-mat.other↗

arXiv2005

Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen correlations via dissociation of a molecular Bose-Einstein condensate

Recent experimental measurements of atomic intensity correlations through atom shot noise suggest that atomic quadrature phase correlations may soon be measured with a similar precision. We propose a test of local realism with mesoscopic numbers of massive particles based on such measurements. Using dissociation of a Bose-Einstein condensate of diatomic molecules into bosonic atoms, we demonstrate that strongly entangled atomic beams may be produced which possess Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) correlations in field quadratures, in direct analogy to the position and momentum correlations originally considered by EPR.

cond-mat.other↗

arXiv2005

Finite temperature correlations and density profiles of an inhomogeneous interacting 1D Bose gas

We calculate the density profiles and density correlation functions of the one-dimensional Bose gas in a harmonic trap, using the exact finite-temperature solutions for the uniform case, and applying a local density approximation. The results are valid for a trapping potential which is slowly varying relative to a correlation length. They allow a direct experimental test of the transition from the weak coupling Gross-Pitaevskii regime to the strong coupling, 'fermionic' Tonks-Girardeau regime. We also calculate the average two-particle correlation which characterizes the bulk properties of the sample, and find that it can be well approximated by the value of the local pair correlation in the trap center.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2005

Quantum phase-space simulations of fermions and bosons

We introduce a unified Gaussian quantum operator representation for fermions and bosons. The representation extends existing phase-space methods to Fermi systems as well as the important case of Fermi-Bose mixtures. It enables simulations of the dynamics and thermal equilibrium states of many-body quantum systems from first principles. As an example, we numerically calculate finite-temperature correlation functions for the Fermi Hubbard model, with no evidence of the Fermi sign problem.

cond-mat.other↗

arXiv2005

Ultra-cold fermions in optical lattices

We summarize recent theoretical results for the signatures of strongly correlated ultra-cold fermions in optical lattices. In particular, we focus on: collective mode calculations, where a sharp decrease in collective mode frequency is predicted at the onset of the Mott metal-insulator transition; and correlation functions at finite temperature, where we employ a new exact technique that applies the stochastic gauge technique with a Gaussian operator basis.

cond-mat.other↗

arXiv2004

Three-dimensional solitons in coupled atomic-molecular Bose-Einstein condensates

We present a theoretical analysis of three-dimensional (3D) matter-wave solitons and their stability properties in coupled atomic and molecular Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC). The soliton solutions to the mean-field equations are obtained in an approximate analytical form by means of a variational approach. We investigate soliton stability within the parameter space described by the atom-molecule conversion coupling, atom-atom s-wave scattering, and the bare formation energy of the molecular species. In terms of ordinary optics, this is analogous to the process of sub/second-harmonic generation in a quadratic non-linear medium modified by a cubic nonlinearity, together with a phase mismatch term between the fields. While the possibility of formation of multidimensional spatio-temporal solitons in pure quadratic media has been theoretically demonstrated previously, here we extend this prediction to matter-wave interactions in BEC systems where higher-order non-linear processes due to interparticle collisions are unavoidable and may not be neglected. The stability of the solitons predicted for repulsive atom-atom interactions is investigated by direct numerical simulations of the equations of motion in a full 3D lattice. Our analysis also leads to a possible technique for demonstrating the ground state of the Schroedinger-Newton and related equations that describe Bose-Einstein condensates with non-local inter-particle forces.

cond-mat.other↗

arXiv2004

Entanglement and the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox with coupled intracavity optical downconverters

We show that two evanescently coupled $χ^{(2)}$ parametric downconverters inside a Fabry-Perot cavity provide a tunable source of quadrature squeezed light, Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen correlations and quantum entanglement. Analysing the operation in the below threshold regime, we show how these properties can be controlled by adjusting the coupling strengths and the cavity detunings. As this can be implemented with integrated optics, it provides a possible route to rugged and stable EPR sources.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2004

Reply to "Comment on 'Stimulated Raman adiabatic passage from an atomic to a molecular Bose-Einstein condensate'"

In the Comment by M. Mackie \textit{et al.} [arXiv: physics/0212111 v.4], the authors suggest that the molecular conversion efficiency in atom-molecule STIRAP can be improved by lowering the initial atomic density, which in turn requires longer pulse durations to maintain adiabaticity. Apart from the fact that the mean-field approximation becomes questionable at low densities, we point out that a low-density strategy with longer pulses has several problems. It generally requires higher pulse energies, and increases radiative losses. We also show that even within the approximations used in the Comment, their example leads to no efficiency improvement compared to our high-density case. In a more careful analysis including radiative losses neglected in the Comment, the proposed strategy gives almost no conversion owing to the longer pulse durations required.

physics.atom-ph↗