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Bloch oscillations sustained by nonlinearity.
R Driben1, V V Konotop2, T Meier3
1Department of Physics and CeOPP, University of Paderborn, Warburger Str. 100, D-33098, Paderborn, Germany. driben@mail.uni-paderborn.de.
Scientific Reports
|June 11, 2017
Summary
Nonlinearity can constructively support Bloch oscillations in a discrete-continuous model. Optimal design yields long-lived, robust oscillations, observed in physics experiments like optics and Bose-Einstein condensates.
Area of Science:
- Condensed matter physics
- Nonlinear dynamics
- Wave phenomena
Background:
- Bloch oscillations are fundamental quantum phenomena observed in periodic potentials.
- Nonlinearity typically disrupts or damps coherent wave dynamics.
- Exploring constructive roles of nonlinearity in quantum systems is an active research area.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of nonlinearity in supporting Bloch oscillations.
- To determine conditions for achieving long-lived and robust Bloch oscillations.
- To develop an analytical model for nonlinear Bloch oscillations.
Main Methods:
- Numerical simulations of a discrete-continuous model.
- Analysis of wave packet evolution under linear and nonlinear potentials.
- Derivation of an approximate analytical description.
Main Results:
- Nonlinearity can constructively support Bloch oscillations.
- An optimal balance between nonlinearity and linear gradient strength leads to highly persistent oscillations.
- Robust oscillations are observed across a wide parameter range, including moderate nonlinearities.
- A hybrid Bloch oscillating wave-soliton behavior was identified and analytically described.
Conclusions:
- Nonlinearity can be harnessed to enhance the stability and longevity of Bloch oscillations.
- The findings are relevant for experimental realizations in optics and Bose-Einstein condensates.
- The developed analytical model accurately predicts numerical simulation results.
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