Quantum resonances in an atom-optical δ-kicked harmonic oscillator

T. P. Billam and S. A. Gardiner
Phys. Rev. A 80, 023414 – Published 20 August 2009

Abstract

Under certain conditions, the quantum δ-kicked harmonic oscillator displays quantum resonances. We consider an atom-optical realization of the δ-kicked harmonic oscillator and present a theoretical discussion of the quantum resonances that could be observed in such a system. Having outlined our model of the physical system we derive the values at which quantum resonances occur and relate these to potential experimental parameters. We discuss the observable effects of the quantum resonances using the results of numerical simulations. We develop a physical explanation for the quantum resonances based on symmetries shared between the classical phase space and the quantum-mechanical time evolution operator. We explore the evolution of coherent states in the system by reformulating the dynamics in terms of a mapping over an infinite two-dimensional set of coefficients from which we derive an analytic expression for the evolution of a coherent state at quantum resonance.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 25 September 2008

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.80.023414

©2009 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

T. P. Billam and S. A. Gardiner

  • Department of Physics, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 80, Iss. 2 — August 2009

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review A

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×