arXiv subjects

Theodore A. Corcovilos

Publications and source records attributed to Theodore A. Corcovilos.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2023

Beyond the ABCDs: A better matrix method for geometric optics by using homogeneous coordinates

Geometric optics is often described as tracing the paths of non-diffracting rays through an optical system. In the paraxial limit, ray traces can be calculated using ray transfer matrices (colloquially, ABCD matrices), which are 2x2 matrices acting on the height and slope of the rays. A known limitation of ray transfer matrices is that they only work for optical elements that are centered and normal to the optical axis. In this article, we provide an improved 3x3 matrix method for calculating paraxial ray traces of optical systems that is applicable to how these systems are actually arranged on the optical table: lenses and mirrors in any orientation or position (e.g.~in laboratory coordinates), with the optical path zig-zagging along the table. Using projective duality, we also show how to directly image points through an optical system using a point transfer matrix calculated from the system's ray transfer matrix. We demonstrate the usefulness of these methods with several examples and discuss future directions to expand applications of this technique.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2019

Two-dimensional optical quasicrystal potentials for ultracold atom experiments

Quasicrystals are nonperiodic structures having no translational symmetry but nonetheless possessing long-range order. The material properties of quasicrystals, particularly their low-temperature behavior, defy easy description. We present a compact optical setup for creating quasicrystal optical potentials with 5-fold symmetry using interference of nearly co-propagating beams for use in ultracold atom quantum simulation experiments. We verify the optical design through numerical simulations and demonstrate a prototype system. We also discuss generating phason excitations and quantized transport in the quasicrystal through phase modulation of the beams.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2018

A Simple game simulating quantum measurements of qubits

Games are useful tools for introducing new concepts to students. This paper describes a competitive two-player game for sophomore students in a modern physics survey course or junior/senior students in an introductory quantum mechanics course to build intuition and quantitative understanding of the probabilistic nature of quantum measurements in two-level systems such as qubits or the Stern-Gerlach experiment. The goal of the game is to guess a quantum state secretly chosen from a given set in the fewest number of measurements. It uses twenty-sided dice or other classical random number generators to simulate quantum measurements. The Bloch vector formalism is introduced to give a geometric description of the quantum states and measurement outcomes. Several ready-to-use sets of quantum states are given, so readers can jump right in and try the game themselves without any prior knowledge of quantum mechanics. More advanced students can also use the game in suggested follow-up exercises to deepen students' understanding of quantum measurements and their statistical description.

physics.ed-ph↗

arXiv2015

Coherent addressing of individual neutral atoms in a 3D optical lattice

We demonstrate arbitrary coherent addressing of individual neutral atoms in a $5\times 5\times 5$ array formed by an optical lattice. Addressing is accomplished using rapidly reconfigurable crossed laser beams to selectively ac Stark shift target atoms, so that only target atoms are resonant with state-changing microwaves. The effect of these targeted single qubit gates on the quantum information stored in non-targeted atoms is smaller than $3\times 10^{-3}$ in state fidelity. This is an important step along the path of converting the scalability promise of neutral atoms into reality.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2012

3D Projection Sideband Cooling

We demonstrate 3D microwave projection sideband cooling of trapped, neutral atoms. The technique employs state-dependent potentials that enable microwave photons to drive vibration-number reducing transitions. The particular cooling sequence we employ uses minimal spontaneous emission, and works even for relatively weakly bound atoms. We cool 76% of atoms to their 3D vibrational ground states in a site-resolvable 3D optical lattice.

cond-mat.quant-gas↗