Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 3, 2026
09:23
Quantum State Engineering of Light with Continuous-wave Optical Parametric Oscillators
Published on: May 30, 2014
High-order quantum resonances observed in a periodically kicked Bose-Einstein condensate
C Ryu1, M F Andersen, A Vaziri
1Atomic Physics Division, National Institute of Science and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899-8424, USA.
Physical Review Letters
|May 23, 2006
Summary
Researchers observed high-order quantum resonances in a quantum delta-kicked rotor experiment with Bose-condensed sodium atoms. These resonances, linked to rational fractions of Talbot time, show ballistic momentum transfer and enable studying resonance width scaling laws.
Area of Science:
- Quantum physics
- Atomic physics
- Condensed matter physics
Background:
- The quantum delta-kicked rotor model is a fundamental system for studying quantum chaos.
- Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) provide a clean system for observing quantum phenomena due to their coherence and narrow momentum distributions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally observe high-order quantum resonances in a Bose-condensed sodium atom realization of the quantum delta-kicked rotor.
- To investigate the characteristics of these resonances, including momentum transfer and their dependence on pulse intervals.
- To study the scaling laws of resonance width in quasimomentum and pulse interval.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing Bose-condensed sodium (Na) atoms.
- Subjecting the condensate to a pulsed standing wave of laser light, simulating the delta-kicked rotor.
- Analyzing the momentum distributions of the atoms to identify quantum resonances.
Main Results:
- Observation of high-order quantum resonances at specific rational fractions of the Talbot time (e.g., 3/4 and 1/3).
- Characterization of resonances by ballistic momentum transfer to the atoms.
- Demonstration that the narrow momentum distribution of the BEC facilitates resonance observation and scaling law studies.
Conclusions:
- High-order quantum resonances are observable in a quantum delta-kicked rotor with Bose-condensed atoms.
- The observed resonances are linked to rational Talbot times and exhibit ballistic momentum transfer.
- This experimental system allows for detailed studies of quantum resonance scaling laws.
Related Concept Videos
02:32The de Broglie Wavelength
In the macroscopic world, objects that are large enough to be seen by the naked eye follow the rules of classical physics. A billiard ball moving on a table will behave like a particle; it will continue traveling in a straight line unless it collides with another ball, or it is acted on by some other force, such as friction. The ball has a well-defined position and velocity or well-defined momentum, p = mv, which is defined by mass m and velocity v at any given moment. This is the typical...
01:02¹H NMR: Interpreting Distorted and Overlapping Signals
Spin systems where the difference in chemical shifts of the coupled nuclei is greater than ten times J are called first-order spin systems. These nuclei are weakly coupled, and their chemical shifts and coupling constant can generally be estimated from the well-separated signals in the spectrum.
As Δν decreases and the signals move closer, the doublets appear increasingly distorted. The intensities of the inner lines increase at the cost of those of the outer lines as the signals are slanted or...
As Δν decreases and the signals move closer, the doublets appear increasingly distorted. The intensities of the inner lines increase at the cost of those of the outer lines as the signals are slanted or...
01:14Sound Waves: Resonance
Resonance is produced depending on the boundary conditions imposed on a wave. Resonance can be produced in a string under tension with symmetrical boundary conditions (i.e., has a node at each end). A node is defined as a fixed point where the string does not move. The symmetrical boundary conditions result in some frequencies resonating and producing standing waves, while other frequencies interfere destructively. Sound waves can resonate in a hollow tube, and the frequencies of the sound...
01:11Atomic Nuclei: Larmor Precession Frequency
The earth's gravitational field produces a 'twisting force' perpendicular to the angular momentum of a spinning mass (such as a spinning top) that causes the mass to 'wobble' around the gravitational field axis in a phenomenon called precession. Similarly, the magnetic moment (μ) of a spinning nucleus precesses due to an external magnetic field directed along the z-axis. The precession of the magnetic moment vector about the magnetic field is called Larmor precession, and the angular frequency...
01:23Atomic Nuclei: Nuclear Relaxation Processes
In the absence of an external magnetic field, nuclear spin states are degenerate and randomly oriented. When a magnetic field is applied, the spins begin to precess and orient themselves along (lower energy) or against (higher energy) the direction of the field. At equilibrium, a slight excess population of spins exists in the lower energy state. Because the direction of the magnetic field is fixed as the z-axis, the precessing magnetic moments are randomly oriented around the z-axis. This...
01:12Double Resonance Techniques: Overview
Double resonance techniques in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy involve the simultaneous application of two different frequencies or radiofrequency pulses to manipulate and observe two distinct nuclear spins. One important application of double resonance is spin decoupling, which selectively suppresses coupling with one type of nucleus while observing the NMR signal from another nucleus, simplifying the spectrum and enhancing resolution.
Spin decoupling is usually achieved by...
Spin decoupling is usually achieved by...