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Quantum boomerang effect of light.
Xiangrui Hou1, Zhaoxin Wu1, Fangyu Wang1
1School of Physics and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Micro-nano Quantum Chips and Quantum Control, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Nature Communications
|January 16, 2026
Summary
Scientists observed the quantum boomerang effect using light in a disordered waveguide. This effect, where a wave packet returns to its origin, was demonstrated on-chip, paving the way for new physics research.
Area of Science:
- Quantum physics
- Photonics
- Waveguide optics
Background:
- The quantum boomerang effect is a theoretical phenomenon where wave packets return to their origin.
- Experimental studies of this effect, especially with light, are scarce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally observe the quantum boomerang effect in a photonic system.
- To explore methods for controlling and accelerating the effect's return dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an on-chip, one-dimensional disordered waveguide lattice.
- Launched a kinetic light beam and tracked its center of mass (COM).
- Implemented symmetric gradient loss and time-varying coupling for control.
Main Results:
- Successfully demonstrated the photonic quantum boomerang effect in real space.
- Observed the light beam's COM moving away, reversing direction, and returning to the origin.
- Showcased two experimental methods to accelerate and control the return velocity.
Conclusions:
- Established a controllable photonic platform for studying boomerang physics.
- Opened new avenues for research in nonlinear and many-photon regimes of the quantum boomerang effect.
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