Simultaneous manipulation and observation of multiple ro-vibrational eigenstates in solid para-hydrogen

Area of Science:

• Quantum physics
• Condensed matter physics
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Quantum systems exhibit complex behaviors like wave packet dynamics.
• Controlling these dynamics is crucial for quantum information processing and fundamental science.
• Solid para-hydrogen offers a unique solid-state platform for studying quantum phenomena.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate coherent control of delocalized ro-vibrational wave packets (RVWs) in solid para-hydrogen.
• To utilize wave packet interferometry (WPI) and coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) for quantum state manipulation.
• To achieve state-selective control and detection of quantum interferences.

Main Methods:

• Excitation of RVWs in solid para-hydrogen using stimulated Raman process.
• Utilizing a Michelson interferometer to control the delay between two femtosecond laser pulses.
• Employing spectrally resolved CARS with a narrow-band probe pulse to observe time-dependent Ramsey fringe spectra.
• Analyzing fringe oscillation periods to resolve different intermediate quantum states.

Main Results:

• Successful coherent control of delocalized RVWs in solid para-hydrogen was achieved.
• Demonstrated simultaneous excitation of multiple ro-vibrational states using broad-band laser pulses.
• Observed time-dependent Ramsey fringe spectra, revealing distinct intermediate states.
• Showcased sub-femtosecond timescale manipulation of amplitude ratios between quantum states by tuning inter-pulse delay.

Conclusions:

• The combined WPI and CARS technique provides a general and efficient protocol for quantum state control.
• This method enables precise manipulation and detection of interference in multiple quantum states.
• The findings open avenues for advanced quantum control in various quantum systems.