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Amplitude and Phase of Wave Packets in a Linear Potential
Georgi Gary Rozenman1,2, Matthias Zimmermann3, Maxim A Efremov3
1Raymond and Beverly Sackler School of Physics & Astronomy, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
Physical Review Letters
|April 13, 2019
Summary
We observed how Gaussian and Airy water wave packets evolve in a controlled flow. A linear potential can cancel the self-acceleration of Airy wave packets.
Area of Science:
- Fluid dynamics
- Wave propagation
Background:
- Surface gravity waves are fundamental in fluid mechanics.
- Understanding wave packet evolution in controlled environments is crucial for various applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To theoretically study and experimentally observe Gaussian and Airy wave packet evolution.
- To investigate the effect of a linear potential on wave packet dynamics.
- To demonstrate the cancellation of Airy wave packet self-acceleration.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical modeling of wave packet propagation.
- Experimental setup using a computer-controlled water pump to create a time-dependent flow.
- Measurement of wave packet amplitudes and cubic phases.
Main Results:
- Successfully observed the evolution of Gaussian and Airy wave packets.
- Measured amplitudes and cubic phases induced by the linear potential.
- Demonstrated complete cancellation of Airy wave packet self-acceleration by the linear potential.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms theoretical predictions of wave packet behavior in a linear potential.
- A linear potential offers a method to control and modify the dynamics of Airy wave packets, specifically their self-acceleration.
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