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Atomic motion in magneto-optical double-well potentials: a testing ground for quantum chaos
S Ghose1, P M Alsing, I H Deutsch
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA.
Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics
|December 12, 2001
Summary
Ultracold atoms in double-well potentials reveal quantum entanglement and classical chaos due to coupled spin and motion. Experimental dynamics align with quantum predictions, showing a transition from regular to chaotic motion.
Area of Science:
- Atomic physics
- Quantum dynamics
- Nonlinear systems
Background:
- Ultracold atoms in magneto-optical double-well potentials offer a controlled environment.
- Studying nonlinear systems with multiple degrees of freedom is crucial for understanding complex dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the quantum and classical dynamics of ultracold atoms in a nonlinear system.
- To analyze the emergence of entanglement and chaos from coupled spin and motion.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing magneto-optical double-well potentials to trap ultracold atoms.
- Employing action-angle variables and Poincaré surfaces of section to analyze chaotic dynamics.
- Comparing experimental results with quantum-mechanical predictions.
Main Results:
- Identified nonseparable couplings between atomic spin and center-of-mass motion.
- Observed divergence between classical and quantum expectation values after a finite time.
- Confirmed experimental dynamics are consistent with quantum-mechanical predictions, including tunneling through a dynamical potential barrier.
Conclusions:
- The system provides a clean setting to study the transition from regular quantum dynamics to chaotic classical motion.
- Coupling between disparate spin and motional subsystems raises fundamental questions in quantum chaos.
- Experimental observations validate quantum mechanical predictions for this complex system.