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Observation of density-induced tunneling
Ole Jürgensen1, Florian Meinert2, Manfred J Mark2
1Institut für Laser-Physik, Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761 Hamburg, Germany.
Physical Review Letters
|November 22, 2014
Summary
We observed density-induced tunneling in bosonic atoms within a tilted optical lattice for the first time. This interaction-driven phenomenon affects atom movement and breaks predicted symmetries in quantum systems.
Area of Science:
- Atomic physics
- Quantum dynamics
- Condensed matter physics
Background:
- Ultracold atoms in optical lattices simulate complex quantum phenomena.
- Tunneling is a key quantum mechanical process influencing particle dynamics.
- Understanding interaction effects is crucial for controlling quantum systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To directly observe and characterize density-induced tunneling in bosonic atoms.
- To investigate the influence of interactions on doublon oscillations.
- To explore the breakdown of symmetric behavior predicted by the Hubbard model.
Main Methods:
- Experimental realization of bosonic atoms in a tilted one-dimensional optical lattice.
- Precise control over atom density and interaction strength.
- Comparison of experimental data with a theoretical model.
Main Results:
- First direct observation of density-induced tunneling.
- Demonstration that density-induced tunneling affects doublon oscillation dynamics.
- Quantification of density and interaction dependence of tunneling.
- Observation of broken symmetry in tunneling for attractive and repulsive interactions.
Conclusions:
- Density-induced tunneling is a significant factor in the dynamics of interacting bosonic atoms.
- The findings extend the understanding of quantum transport in optical lattices.
- The results challenge and refine existing theoretical models like the Hubbard model.
