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arXiv:0711.1438 · Physical Review E

Quantum stress in chaotic billiards

Karl‐Fredrik Berggren, Дмитрий Н. Максимов, Almas F. Sadreev, R. Höhmann, Ulrich Kuhl, H.‐J. Stöckmann

Published Jun 12, 2008• 7 citations

Abstract

This paper reports on a joint theoretical and experimental study of the Pauli quantum-mechanical stress tensor T_{alphabeta}(x,y) for open two-dimensional chaotic billiards. In the case of a finite current flow through the system the interior wave function is expressed as psi=u+iv . With the assumption that u and v are Gaussian random fields we derive analytic expressions for the statistical distributions for the quantum stress tensor components T_{alphabeta} . The Gaussian random field model is tested for a Sinai billiard with two opposite leads by analyzing the scattering wave functions obtained numerically from the corresponding Schrödinger equation. Two-dimensional quantum billiards may be emulated from planar microwave analogs. Hence we report on microwave measurements for an open two-dimensional cavity and how the quantum stress tensor analog is extracted from the recorded electric field. The agreement with the theoretical predictions for the distributions for T_{alphabeta}(x,y) is quite satisfactory for small net currents. However, a distinct difference between experiments and theory is observed at higher net flow, which could be explained using a Gaussian random field, where the net current was taken into account by an additional plane wave with a preferential direction and amplitude.

DOI: 10.1103/physreve.77.066209

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This paper reports on a joint theoretical and experimental study of the Pauli quantum-mechanical stress tensor T_{alphabeta}(x,y) for open two-dimensional chaotic billiards. In the case of a finite current flow through the system the interior wave function is expressed as psi=u+iv . With the assumption that u and v are Gaussian random fields we derive analytic expressions for the statistical distributions for the quantum stress tensor components T_{alphabeta} . The Gaussian random field model is tested for a Sinai billiard with two opposite leads by analyzing the scattering wave functions obtained numerically from the corresponding Schrödinger equation. Two-dimensional quantum billiards may be emulated from planar microwave analogs. Hence we report on microwave measurements for an open two-dimensional cavity and how the quantum stress tensor analog is extracted from the recorded electric field. The agreement with the theoretical predictions for the distributions for T_{alphabeta}(x,y) is quite satisfactory for small net currents. However, a distinct difference between experiments and theory is observed at higher net flow, which could be explained using a Gaussian random field, where the net current was taken into account by an additional plane wave with a preferential direction and amplitude.

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Using the equivalence between the quantum-mechanical probability density in a quantum billiard and the Poynting vector in the corresponding microwave system, current distributions were studied in a quantum dot like cavity, as well as in a Robnik billiard with λ=0.4, and an introduced ferrite cylinder. Spatial auto correlation functions for currents and vorticity were studied and compared with predictions from the random-superposition-of-plane-waves hypothesis. In addition different types of vortex neighbour spacing distributions were determined and compared with theory.

Several key advances in the understanding of quantum chaos have resulted from the study of billiard systems, in which a particle is confined in a two‐dimensional potential well. There has been many numerical studies of wave function characteristics, nodal line and nodal point features and current distributions and correlations. One finds that chaotic states may often be represented by Gaussian random waves which consist of a superposition of monochromatic plane waves traveling in different directions.Direct studies of quantum billiards like 2D mesoscopic ballistic semiconductor quantum dots are, however, unfeasible because of their smallness and because they are normally imbedded deeply in a semiconductor structure. The 2D quantum billiard may, however, be mapped onto a flat microwave cavity, which has allowed for direct measurements of wave functions, current distributions etc. Here we discuss an alternative unconventional realization of a quantum billiard. Thus we outline how electrical networks may be used for fundamental studies of wave function properties and transport in general and, more specifically, their mapping onto open quantum dots. In addition to the scientific case the network model has obvious pedagogical merits.

Using the one-to-one correspondence between the Poynting vector in a microwave billiard and the probability current density in the corresponding quantum system, probability densities and currents were studied in a microwave billiard with a ferrite insert as well as in an open billiard. Distribution functions were obtained for probability densities, currents, and vorticities. In addition, the vortex pair correlation function could be extracted. For all studied quantities a complete agreement with the predictions from the approach using a random superposition of plane waves was obtained.

A basic quantum-mechanical model for wave functions and current flow in open quantum dots or billiards is investigated. The model involves non-Hertmitian quantum mechanics, parity-time (PT) symmetry, and PT-symmetry breaking. Attached leads are represented by positive and negative imaginary potentials. Thus probability densities, currents flows, etc., for open quantum dots or billiards may be simulated in this way by solving the Schrödinger equation with a complex potential. Here we consider a nominally open ballistic quantum dot emulated by a planar microwave billiard. Results for probability distributions for densities, currents (Poynting vector), and stress tensor components are presented and compared with predictions based on Gaussian random wave theory. The results are also discussed in view of the corresponding measurements for the analogous microwave cavity. The model is of conceptual as well as of practical and educational interest.

We study chaotic quantum billiards using both microwave cavities and numerical simulations. For the same geometry, viz., a Sinai billiard, agreement to remarkable precision is found for both the eigenvalue magnitudes and the spatial detail of the eigenfunctions. The association of the eigenfunctions with classical periodic orbits is demonstrated, and scarred states are identified. Desymmetrizing the Sinai billiard by slightly moving the central disk is shown to lead to strong localization of the eigenfunction. The calculated eigenstates of the symmetric billiard show an even- and odd-parity pair whose linear combination gives the localized state.