Recent cold atom experiments have realized models where each hyperfine state at an optical lattice site can be regarded as a separate site in a synthetic dimension. In such synthetic ribbon configurations, manipulation of the transitions between the hyperfine levels provide direct control of the hopping in the synthetic dimension. This effect was used to simulate a magnetic field through the ribbon. Precise control over the hopping matrix elements in the synthetic dimension makes it possible to change this artificial magnetic field much faster than the time scales associated with atomic motion in the lattice. In this paper, we consider such a magnetic-flux quench scenario in synthetic dimensions. Sudden changes have not been considered for real magnetic fields as such changes in a conducting system would result in large induced currents. Hence we first study the difference between a time varying real magnetic field and an artificial magnetic field using a minimal six-site model. This minimal model clearly shows the connection between gauge dependence and the lack of on-site induced scalar potential terms. We then investigate the dynamics of a wave packet in an infinite two- or three-leg ladder following a flux quench and find that the gauge choice has a dramatic effect on the packet dynamics. Specifically, a wave packet splits into a number of smaller packets moving with different velocities. Both the weights and the number of packets depend on the implemented gauge. If an initial packet, prepared under zero flux in an $n$ -leg ladder, is quenched to Hamiltonian with a vector potential parallel to the ladder, it splits into at most $n$ smaller wave packets. The same initial wave packet splits into up to ${n}^{2}$ packets if the vector potential is implemented to be along the rungs. Even a trivial difference in the gauge choice such as the addition of a constant to the vector potential produces observable effects. We also calculate the packet weights for arbitrary initial and final fluxes. Finally, we show that edge states in a thick ribbon are robust under the quench only when the same gap supports an edge state for the final Hamiltonian.Recent cold atom experiments have realized models where each hyperfine state at an optical lattice site can be regarded as a separate site in a synthetic dimension. In such synthetic ribbon configurations, manipulation of the transitions between the hyperfine levels provide direct control of the hopping in the synthetic dimension. This effect was used to simulate a magnetic field through the ribbon. Precise control over the hopping matrix elements in the synthetic dimension makes it possible to change this artificial magnetic field much faster than the time scales associated with atomic motion in the lattice. In this paper, we consider such a magnetic-flux quench scenario in synthetic dimensions. Sudden changes have not been considered for real magnetic fields as such changes in a conducting system would result in large induced currents. Hence we first study the difference between a time varying real magnetic field and an artificial magnetic field using a minimal six-site model. This minimal model clearly shows the connection between gauge dependence and the lack of on-site induced scalar potential terms. We then investigate the dynamics of a wave packet in an infinite two- or three-leg ladder following a flux quench and find that the gauge choice has a dramatic effect on the packet dynamics. Specifically, a wave packet splits into a number of smaller packets moving with different velocities. Both the weights and the number of packets depend on the implemented gauge. If an initial packet, prepared under zero flux in an $n$-leg ladder, is quenched to Hamiltonian with a vector potential parallel to the ladder, it splits into at most $n$ smaller wave packets. The same initial wave packet splits into up to ${n}^{2}$ packets if the vector potential is implemented to be along the rungs. Even a trivial difference in the gauge choice such as the addition of a constant to the vector potential produces observable effects. We also calculate the packet weights for arbitrary initial and final fluxes. Finally, we show that edge states in a thick ribbon are robust under the quench only when the same gap supports an edge state for the final Hamiltonian.

arXiv:1711.03777Physical Review AFeb 7, 20187 citations

Electron wavepacket interference in a magnetic field

C. T. Butler, Michael Robinson, Daniel J. Larson

APSMay 1, 19980 citations

Reduction of Superconducting Wave Packets in Dispersion Dynamics

Antony J. Bourdillon

Two problems in solid state physics and superconductivity are addressed by applications of dispersion dynamics. The first is the Hall effect. The dynamics of charges that yield positive Hall coefficients in material having no mobile positive charges have always been problematic The effect requires both electric and magnetic response, but magnetic deflection is only possible in mobile charges. In high temperature superconductors, these charges must be electrons. Contrary to Newton’s second law, their acceleration is reversed in crystal fields that dictate negative dispersion. This is evident in room temperature measurements, but a second problem arises in supercurrents at low temperatures. The charge dynamics in material having zero internal electric field because of zero resistivity; and zero magnetic field because of the Meissner-Ochsenfeld diamagnetism; while the supercurrents themselves have properties of zero net momentum; zero spin; and sometimes, zero charge; are so far from having been resolved that they may never have been addressed. Again, dispersion dynamics are developed to provide solutions given by reduction of the superconducting wave packet. The reduction is here physically analyzed, though it is usually treated as a quantized unobservable.Two problems in solid state physics and superconductivity are addressed by applications of dispersion dynamics. The first is the Hall effect. The dynamics of charges that yield positive Hall coefficients in material having no mobile positive charges have always been problematic The effect requires both electric and magnetic response, but magnetic deflection is only possible in mobile charges. In high temperature superconductors, these charges must be electrons. Contrary to Newton’s second law, their acceleration is reversed in crystal fields that dictate negative dispersion. This is evident in room temperature measurements, but a second problem arises in supercurrents at low temperatures. The charge dynamics in material having zero internal electric field because of zero resistivity; and zero magnetic field because of the Meissner-Ochsenfeld diamagnetism; while the supercurrents themselves have properties of zero net momentum; zero spin; and sometimes, zero charge; are so far from having been resolved that they may never have been addressed. Again, dispersion dynamics are developed to provide solutions given by reduction of the superconducting wave packet. The reduction is here physically analyzed, though it is usually treated as a quantized unobservable.

Journal of Modern PhysicsJan 1, 20201 citation

A comprehensive examination of wavepacket interference in a magnetic field

C. T. Butler

Dec 1, 19980 citations

n

-leg ladder, is quenched to Hamiltonian with a vector potential parallel to the ladder, it splits into at most

n

smaller wave packets. The same initial wave packet splits into up to

{n}^{2}

packets if the vector potential is implemented to be along the rungs. Even a trivial difference in the gauge choice such as the addition of a constant to the vector potential produces observable effects. We also calculate the packet weights for arbitrary initial and final fluxes. Finally, we show that edge states in a thick ribbon are robust under the quench only when the same gap supports an edge state for the final Hamiltonian.