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arXiv:1305.2492 · Journal of Physics B Atomic Molecular and Optical Physics

Quantum reflection from an oscillating surface

Benedikt Herwerth, Maarten DeKieviet, Javier Madroñero, Sandro Wimberger

Published Jun 27, 2013• 7 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

We describe an experimentally realistic situation of the quantum reflection of helium atoms from an oscillating surface. The temporal modulation of the potential induces clear sidebands in the reflection probability as a function of momentum. These sidebands could be exploited to slow down atoms and molecules in the experiment.
DOI
10.1088/0953-4075/46/14/141002

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In low energy atom-surface scattering, it is possible for the atom to be reflected in a region of attractive potential with no classical turning point. This phenomenon has come to be known as quantum reflection and it can reduce the sticking probability of atoms to surfaces, as well be used for atom trapping. We simulate the quantum reflection process in a one-dimensional model with a slow-moving atom moving in a Morse potential in the presence of an applied laser field. We show that in the case of laser-assisted quantum reflection, the laser field imparts additional momentum and kinetic energy to the atom. This results in a decreased distance of closest approach between the atom and surface. Our results show that the distance of closest approach and can be controlled through the timing and intensity of the laser pulse, which may result in enhanced sticking probability and/or reduced quantum reflection probability.
Quantum reflection allows an atom or molecule to be reflected from a solid before it reaches the region where it would encounter the repulsive potential of the surface. We observed nondestructive scattering of the helium dimer (He(2)), which has a binding energy of 10(-7) electron volt, from a solid reflection grating. We scattered a beam containing the dimer as well as atomic helium and larger clusters, but could differentiate the dimer by its diffraction angle. Helium dimers are quantum reflected tens of nanometers above the surface, where the surface-induced forces are too weak to dissociate the fragile bond.
Quantum reflection allows an atom or molecule to be reflected from a solid before it reaches the region where it would encounter the repulsive potential of the surface. We observed nondestructive scattering of the helium dimer (He₂), which has a binding energy of 10−7 electron volt, from a solid reflection grating. We scattered a beam containing the dimer as well as atomic helium and larger clusters, but could differentiate the dimer by its diffraction angle. Helium dimers are quantum reflected tens of nanometers above the surface, where the surface-induced forces are too weak to dissociate the fragile bond.
When a wave packet with a narrow momentum distribution is quantum reflected in a purely attractive potential proportional to -1/r(alpha), alpha>2, it generally experiences a time gain compared to a free particle reflected at r=0; for alpha=3 and very low energies there are large time delays. In quantum reflection of an atomic beam by a surface, such a time gain (delay) represents an apparent plane of reflection which is shifted in front of (behind) the surface. The quantum reflected wave is always delayed with respect to the classical particle accelerated in the attractive potential.
The coherent reflection of ultra-cold neon and helium atoms from silicon surfaces and surface structures is measured and analyzed. When the silicon surface is flat, the reflection is explained by the quantum reflection due to van der Waals attractive potential near the silicon surface. When the silicon surface is modified to form a grating structure, the reflectivity increases dramatically. For certain ranges of surface structure parameters, the reflection may be interpreted as a coherent summation of Fresnel diffraction of the atomic wave at the ridges of the grating structure.