Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

arXiv:1108.4447 · Physical Review Letters

Klein Tunneling of a Quasirelativistic Bose-Einstein Condensate in an Optical Lattice

Tobias Salger, Christopher Grossert, Sebastian Kling, Martin Weitz

Published Dec 7, 2011• 73 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

A proof-of-principle experiment simulating effects predicted by relativistic wave equations with ultracold atoms in a bichromatic optical lattice that allows for a tailoring of the dispersion relation is reported. We observe the analog of Klein tunneling, the penetration of relativistic particles through a potential barrier without the exponential damping that is characteristic for nonrelativistic quantum tunneling. Both linear (relativistic) and quadratic (nonrelativistic) dispersion relations are investigated, and significant barrier transmission is observed only for the relativistic case.

DOI
10.1103/physrevlett.107.240401

Related papers

Phase dependent loading of Bloch bands and quantum simulation of relativistic wave equation predictions with ultracold atoms in variably shaped optical lattice potentials

Christopher Grossert, Martin Leder, Martin Weitz

The dispersion relation of ultracold atoms in variably shaped optical lattices can be tuned to resemble that of a relativistic particle, i.e. be linear instead of the usual nonrelativistic quadratic dispersion relation of a free atom. Cold atoms in such a lattice can be used to carry out quantum simulations of relativistic wave equation predictions. We begin this article by describing a Raman technique that allows to selectively load atoms into a desired Bloch band of the lattice near a band crossing. Subsequently, we review two recent experiments with quasirelativistic rubidium atoms in a bichromatic lattice, demonstrating the analogues of Klein tunnelling and Veselago lensing with ultracold atoms, respectively.

arXiv:1510.09050•Journal of Modern Optics•Jan 24, 2016•7 citations

Tunneling of ultracold atoms in time-independent potentials

E. Arimondo, Sandro Wimberger

We present theoretical as well as experimental results on resonantly enhanced quantum tunneling of Bose-Einstein condensates in optical lattices both in the linear case of single particle dynamics and in the presence of atom-atom interactions. Our results demonstrate the usefulness of condensates in optical lattices for the dynamical control of tunneling and for simulating Hamiltonians originally used for describing solid state phenomena.

arXiv:1104.2535•Apr 13, 2011•0 citations

Quantum tunneling dynamics of an interacting Bose-Einstein condensate through a Gaussian barrier

Manju Perumbil, Kyle S. Hardman, M. A. Sooriyabandara +5 more

The transmission of an interacting Bose-Einstein condensate incident on a repulsive Gaussian barrier is investigated through numerical simulation. The dynamics associated with interatomic interactions are studied across a broad parameter range not previously explored. Effective one-dimensional Gross-Pitaevskii equation (GPE) simulations are compared to classical Boltzmann-Vlasov equation (BVE) simulations in order to isolate purely coherent matter-wave effects. Quantum tunneling is then defined as the portion of the GPE transmission not described by the classical BVE. An exponential dependence of transmission on barrier height is observed in the classical simulation, suggesting that observing such an exponential dependence is not a sufficient condition for quantum tunneling. Furthermore, the transmission is found to be predominately described by classical effects, although interatomic interactions are shown to modify the magnitude of the quantum tunneling. Interactions are also seen to affect the amount of classical transmission, producing transmission in regions where the noninteracting equivalent has none. This theoretical investigation clarifies the contribution quantum tunneling makes to overall transmission in many-particle interacting systems, potentially informing future tunneling experiments with ultracold atoms.

arXiv:1808.07196•Physical Review A•Nov 26, 2018•22 citations

Effects of interactions and noise on tunneling of Bose-Einstein condensates through a potential barrier

J. A. M. Huhtamäki, Mikko Möttönen, Joachim Ankerhold +1 more

We investigate theoretically the tunneling of a dilute Bose-Einstein condensate through a potential barrier. This scenario is closely related to recent experimental studies of condensates trapped in one-dimensional optical lattices. We derive analytical results for the tunneling rate of the condensate with emphasis on the effects of atom-atom interactions. Furthermore, we consider the effect of fluctuating barrier height to the tunneling rate. We have computed the tunneling rate as a function of the characteristic frequency of the noise. The result is seen to be closely related to the excitation spectrum of the condensate. These observations should be experimentally verifiable.

Physical Review A•Sep 12, 2007•11 citations

Driven collective quantum tunneling of ultracold atoms in engineered optical lattices

Рамаз Хомерики, Stefano Ruffo, Sandro Wimberger

Collective quantum tunneling of a Bose-Einstein condensate between two parts of an optical lattice separated by an energy barrier is theoretically investigated. We show that by a pulsewise change of the barrier height, it is possible to switch between a tunneling regime and a self-trapped one. This property of the system is explained by effectively reducing the nonlinear dynamics of the system to that of a particle moving in a double square well potential. The analysis is performed for both attractive and repulsive interatomic forces, and emphasizes the experimental relevance of our findings.

arXiv:cond-mat/0610014•Europhysics Letters (EPL)•Feb 1, 2007•9 citations

Ultracold-atom quantum tunneling through single and double optical barriers

Roy Eid, Alfred Hammond, L. Lavoine +1 more

We realize textbook experiments on Bose-Einstein condensate tunneling through thin repulsive potential barriers. In particular, we demonstrate atom tunneling though a single optical barrier in the quantum scattering regime where the de Broglie wavelength of the atoms is larger than the barrier width. Such a beam splitter can be used for atom interferometry and we study the case of two barriers creating an atomic Fabry-P\'erot cavity. Technically, the velocity spread of the atoms is reduced due to the use of a $^{39}\mathrm{K}$ Bose-Einstein condensate with no interactions. The potential barriers are created optically and their width is tunable due to the use of a digital micromirror device. In addition, our scattering experiments enable in situ characterization of the optical aberrations of the barrier optical system.

Physical Review A•Oct 21, 2024•5 citations
A proof-of-principle experiment simulating effects predicted by relativistic wave equations with ultracold atoms in a bichromatic optical lattice that allows for a tailoring of the dispersion relation is reported. We observe the analog of Klein tunneling, the penetration of relativistic particles through a potential barrier without the exponential damping that is characteristic for nonrelativistic quantum tunneling. Both linear (relativistic) and quadratic (nonrelativistic) dispersion relations are investigated, and significant barrier transmission is observed only for the relativistic case.
The dispersion relation of ultracold atoms in variably shaped optical lattices can be tuned to resemble that of a relativistic particle, i.e. be linear instead of the usual nonrelativistic quadratic dispersion relation of a free atom. Cold atoms in such a lattice can be used to carry out quantum simulations of relativistic wave equation predictions. We begin this article by describing a Raman technique that allows to selectively load atoms into a desired Bloch band of the lattice near a band crossing. Subsequently, we review two recent experiments with quasirelativistic rubidium atoms in a bichromatic lattice, demonstrating the analogues of Klein tunnelling and Veselago lensing with ultracold atoms, respectively.
The transmission of an interacting Bose-Einstein condensate incident on a repulsive Gaussian barrier is investigated through numerical simulation. The dynamics associated with interatomic interactions are studied across a broad parameter range not previously explored. Effective one-dimensional Gross-Pitaevskii equation (GPE) simulations are compared to classical Boltzmann-Vlasov equation (BVE) simulations in order to isolate purely coherent matter-wave effects. Quantum tunneling is then defined as the portion of the GPE transmission not described by the classical BVE. An exponential dependence of transmission on barrier height is observed in the classical simulation, suggesting that observing such an exponential dependence is not a sufficient condition for quantum tunneling. Furthermore, the transmission is found to be predominately described by classical effects, although interatomic interactions are shown to modify the magnitude of the quantum tunneling. Interactions are also seen to affect the amount of classical transmission, producing transmission in regions where the noninteracting equivalent has none. This theoretical investigation clarifies the contribution quantum tunneling makes to overall transmission in many-particle interacting systems, potentially informing future tunneling experiments with ultracold atoms.
We investigate theoretically the tunneling of a dilute Bose-Einstein condensate through a potential barrier. This scenario is closely related to recent experimental studies of condensates trapped in one-dimensional optical lattices. We derive analytical results for the tunneling rate of the condensate with emphasis on the effects of atom-atom interactions. Furthermore, we consider the effect of fluctuating barrier height to the tunneling rate. We have computed the tunneling rate as a function of the characteristic frequency of the noise. The result is seen to be closely related to the excitation spectrum of the condensate. These observations should be experimentally verifiable.
Collective quantum tunneling of a Bose-Einstein condensate between two parts of an optical lattice separated by an energy barrier is theoretically investigated. We show that by a pulsewise change of the barrier height, it is possible to switch between a tunneling regime and a self-trapped one. This property of the system is explained by effectively reducing the nonlinear dynamics of the system to that of a particle moving in a double square well potential. The analysis is performed for both attractive and repulsive interatomic forces, and emphasizes the experimental relevance of our findings.
We realize textbook experiments on Bose-Einstein condensate tunneling through thin repulsive potential barriers. In particular, we demonstrate atom tunneling though a single optical barrier in the quantum scattering regime where the de Broglie wavelength of the atoms is larger than the barrier width. Such a beam splitter can be used for atom interferometry and we study the case of two barriers creating an atomic Fabry-P\'erot cavity. Technically, the velocity spread of the atoms is reduced due to the use of a 39K^{39}\mathrm{K}39K Bose-Einstein condensate with no interactions. The potential barriers are created optically and their width is tunable due to the use of a digital micromirror device. In addition, our scattering experiments enable in situ characterization of the optical aberrations of the barrier optical system.