Multiple scattering of matter waves: An analytic model of the refractive index for atomic and molecular gases

Mikhail Lemeshko and Bretislav Friedrich
Phys. Rev. A 82, 022711 – Published 18 August 2010

Abstract

We present an analytic model of the refractive index for matter waves propagating through atomic or molecular gases. The model, which combines the Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin (WKB) treatment of the long-range attraction with the Fraunhofer model treatment of the short-range repulsion, furnishes a refractive index in compelling agreement with recent experiments of Jacquey et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 98, 240405 (2007)] on Li atom matter waves passing through dilute noble gases. We show that the diffractive contribution, which arises from scattering by a two-dimensional “hard core” of the potential, is essential for obtaining a correct imaginary part of the refractive index.

  • Figure
  • Received 3 March 2010

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.82.022711

©2010 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Mikhail Lemeshko* and Bretislav Friedrich

  • Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, Faradayweg 4-6, D-14195 Berlin, Germany

  • *mikhail.lemeshko@gmail.com
  • brich@fhi-berlin.mpg.de

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 82, Iss. 2 — August 2010

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
×