Microwave manipulation of an atomic electron in a classical orbit

Area of Science:

• Atomic Physics
• Quantum Mechanics
• Quantum Control

Background:

• Atoms are fundamentally quantum mechanical systems.
• Classical electron orbits are typically unstable.
• Microwave fields can interact with atomic electrons.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the possibility of inducing and maintaining classical-like electron orbits in atoms.
• To explore the control of electron orbital motion using microwave fields.
• To understand the concurrent changes in binding energy and orbital size.

Main Methods:

• Exposing excited lithium atoms to weak microwave fields oscillating at their orbital frequency.
• Utilizing phase-locking between the microwave field and electron motion.
• Adjusting microwave frequency between 13 and 19 gigahertz to alter electron orbital speed.

Main Results:

• Electrons in atoms can be made to move in stable, classical-like orbits.
• The electron's orbital motion was successfully sped up or slowed down by tuning the microwave frequency.
• Changes in electron orbital speed led to concurrent modifications in binding energy and orbital size.

Conclusions:

• Microwave fields can effectively tether and phase-lock electrons, enabling control over their orbital dynamics.
• This control allows for the manipulation of atomic properties like binding energy and orbital size.
• The findings demonstrate a novel approach to controlling quantum systems using classical field interactions.