arXiv:2401.00083 · Scientific Reports

Gouy phase and quantum interference with cross-Wigner functions for matter-waves

Lucas S. Marinho, Pedro R. Dieguez, Carlos H. S. Vieira, I. G. da Paz

Published May 28, 2024• 7 citations

Abstract

The Gouy phase is essential for accurately describing various wave phenomena, ranging from classical electromagnetic waves to matter waves and quantum optics. In this work, we employ phase-space methods based on the cross-Wigner transformation to analyze spatial and temporal interference in the evolution of matter waves characterized initially by a correlated Gaussian wave packet. First, we consider the cross-Wigner of the initial wave function with its free evolution, and second for the evolution through a double-slit arrangement. Different from the wave function which acquires a global Gouy phase, we find that the cross-Wigner acquires a Gouy phase difference due to different evolution times. The results suggest that temporal like-Gouy phase difference is important for an accurate description of temporal interference. Furthermore, we propose a technique based on the Wigner function to reconstruct the cross-Wigner from the spatial intensity interference term in a double-slit experiment with matter waves.

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56540-1

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