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

Physical Review A

Classical and quantum scaling for localization of half-cycle pulse-driven Rydberg wave packets

D. G. Arbó, Carlos O Reinhold, Joachim Burgdörfer

Published Feb 26, 2004• 7 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Rydberg wave packets generated by a single half-cycle pulse (HCP) interacting with a stationary Rydberg state periodically localize within a narrow region in both momentum and coordinate space (i.e., phase space). This property is the key to shaping and manipulating wave packets. We investigate the dependence of this transient localization and focusing on the principal quantum number n and on the strength of the ultrashort HCP (``kick strength,'' $\ensuremath{\Delta}p).$ It is shown that the localization in momentum space of the wave packet, quantified by the momentum width, obeys a universal scaling rule which is controlled by an effective Planck constant ${\ensuremath{\Elzxh}}_{\mathrm{eff}}.$ Maximum focusing is reached in the classical limit $({\ensuremath{\Elzxh}}_{\mathrm{eff}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0).$

DOI
10.1103/physreva.69.023409

Related papers

Steering Rydberg wave packets using a chirped train of half-cycle pulses

S. Yoshida, Carlos O Reinhold, Emil Persson +2 more

We present protocols for steering a Rydberg wave packet towards a preferred region in phase space using a train of half-cycle pulses. Developing such protocols is aided by classical phase space portraits. The classical phase space changes its structure as the frequency and the strength of a train of pulses are modulated. The quantum wave packet can be made to follow such a change. The movement of the wave packet can thus be controlled by a proper modulation of the perturbation. In addition, this technique can be used to create a focused wave packet or to transfer it from one island to another associated with a different quasi-periodic motion.

Journal of Physics B Atomic Molecular and Optical Physics•Jan 6, 2005•17 citations

Pulse-induced focusing of Rydberg wave packets

D. G. Arbó, Carlos O Reinhold, Joachim Burgdörfer +5 more

We demonstrate that strong transient phase-space localization can be achieved by the application of a single impulsive ``kick'' in the form of a short (600 ps) unidirectional electric-field pulse to a strongly polarized, quasi-one-dimensional Rydberg atom. The underlying classical dynamics is analyzed and it is shown that phase-space localization results from a focusing effect analogous to rainbow scattering. Moreover, it is shown that the essential features of the classical analysis remain valid in a quantum-mechanical treatment of the system in terms of its phase-space Husimi distribution. The degree of phase-space localization is characterized by the coarse-grained Renyi entropy. Transient phase-space localization is demonstrated experimentally using extreme redshifted $m=0$ potassium Stark states in the $n=351$ manifold and a short probe pulse. The experimental data are in good agreement with theoretical predictions. The localized state provides an excellent starting point for further control and manipulation of the electron wave packet.

Physical Review A•Jun 13, 2003•62 citations

Coherence measurements on Rydberg wave packets kicked by a half-cycle pulse

Joel M. Murray, S. N. Pisharody, Haidan Wen +1 more

A kick from a unipolar half-cycle pulse (HCP) can redistribute population and shift the relative phase between states in a radial Rydberg wave packet. We have measured the quantum coherence properties following the kick, and show that selected coherences can be destroyed by applying a HCP at specific times. Quantum mechanical simulations show that this is due to redistribution of the angular momentum in the presence of noise. These results have implications for the storage and retrieval of quantum information in the wave packet.

arXiv:quant-ph/0408083•Physical Review A•Feb 15, 2005•3 citations

Building electronic wave packets from scratch

R. R. Jones

Summary form only given. Unipolar half-cycle pulses (HCPs) can be used to alter the momentum distribution of atomic electrons over subpicosecond timescales. Previously, momentum kicks from HCPs were used to produce electronic wave packets from highly excited Rydberg eigenstates. In addition, these pulses have been used to kick bound electrons into the continuum, making it possible to monitor the time-dependent momentum distribution of electronic wave packets. Conversely, our most recent experiments have shown that HCPs can extract momentum from free electrons, facilitating their capture by positive ions. In the experiments, calcium atoms in the singlet 4s4p level are photoionized into the continuum using a 1.5ps, 390-nm laser pulse.

Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics•Nov 27, 2002•0 citations

Navigating Localized Wave Packets in Phase Space

Wen Kui Zhao, J. J. Mestayer, J. C. Lancaster +4 more

The ability to localize and to steer Rydberg wave packets in phase space using tailored sequences of half-cycle pulses is demonstrated. Classical phase-space portraits are used to explain the method and to illustrate the level of control that can be achieved. This is confirmed experimentally by positioning a phase-space-localized wave packet at the center of a stable island or navigating it around its periphery. This work provides a valuable starting point for further engineering of electronic wave functions.

Physical Review Letters•Dec 20, 2006•16 citations

Transient phase-space localization

C. L. Stokely, F. B. Dunning, Carlos O Reinhold +1 more

We show that dynamics can, in general, be used to enhance the coherence of a Hamiltonian ensemble and we analyze the transient coherence using the coarse-grained entropy. We illustrate this concept using a Rydberg atom subject to an impulsive momentum transfer or ``kick.'' Classical simulations predict that the wave packet generated by the kick undergoes strong transient phase-space localization, which forms an excellent starting point for its further control and manipulation. Moreover, we show that such localized states can be ``trapped'' for extended periods using a train of subsequent kicks.

Physical Review A•Jan 16, 2002•23 citations
Rydberg wave packets generated by a single half-cycle pulse (HCP) interacting with a stationary Rydberg state periodically localize within a narrow region in both momentum and coordinate space (i.e., phase space). This property is the key to shaping and manipulating wave packets. We investigate the dependence of this transient localization and focusing on the principal quantum number n and on the strength of the ultrashort HCP (``kick strength,'' \ensuremathΔp).\ensuremath{\Delta}p).\ensuremathΔp). It is shown that the localization in momentum space of the wave packet, quantified by the momentum width, obeys a universal scaling rule which is controlled by an effective Planck constant \ensuremath\Elzxheff.{\ensuremath{\Elzxh}}_{\mathrm{eff}}.\ensuremath\Elzxheff​. Maximum focusing is reached in the classical limit (\ensuremath\Elzxheff\ensuremath→0).({\ensuremath{\Elzxh}}_{\mathrm{eff}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0).(\ensuremath\Elzxheff​\ensuremath→0).
We present protocols for steering a Rydberg wave packet towards a preferred region in phase space using a train of half-cycle pulses. Developing such protocols is aided by classical phase space portraits. The classical phase space changes its structure as the frequency and the strength of a train of pulses are modulated. The quantum wave packet can be made to follow such a change. The movement of the wave packet can thus be controlled by a proper modulation of the perturbation. In addition, this technique can be used to create a focused wave packet or to transfer it from one island to another associated with a different quasi-periodic motion.
We demonstrate that strong transient phase-space localization can be achieved by the application of a single impulsive ``kick'' in the form of a short (600 ps) unidirectional electric-field pulse to a strongly polarized, quasi-one-dimensional Rydberg atom. The underlying classical dynamics is analyzed and it is shown that phase-space localization results from a focusing effect analogous to rainbow scattering. Moreover, it is shown that the essential features of the classical analysis remain valid in a quantum-mechanical treatment of the system in terms of its phase-space Husimi distribution. The degree of phase-space localization is characterized by the coarse-grained Renyi entropy. Transient phase-space localization is demonstrated experimentally using extreme redshifted m=0m=0m=0 potassium Stark states in the n=351n=351n=351 manifold and a short probe pulse. The experimental data are in good agreement with theoretical predictions. The localized state provides an excellent starting point for further control and manipulation of the electron wave packet.
A kick from a unipolar half-cycle pulse (HCP) can redistribute population and shift the relative phase between states in a radial Rydberg wave packet. We have measured the quantum coherence properties following the kick, and show that selected coherences can be destroyed by applying a HCP at specific times. Quantum mechanical simulations show that this is due to redistribution of the angular momentum in the presence of noise. These results have implications for the storage and retrieval of quantum information in the wave packet.
Summary form only given. Unipolar half-cycle pulses (HCPs) can be used to alter the momentum distribution of atomic electrons over subpicosecond timescales. Previously, momentum kicks from HCPs were used to produce electronic wave packets from highly excited Rydberg eigenstates. In addition, these pulses have been used to kick bound electrons into the continuum, making it possible to monitor the time-dependent momentum distribution of electronic wave packets. Conversely, our most recent experiments have shown that HCPs can extract momentum from free electrons, facilitating their capture by positive ions. In the experiments, calcium atoms in the singlet 4s4p level are photoionized into the continuum using a 1.5ps, 390-nm laser pulse.
The ability to localize and to steer Rydberg wave packets in phase space using tailored sequences of half-cycle pulses is demonstrated. Classical phase-space portraits are used to explain the method and to illustrate the level of control that can be achieved. This is confirmed experimentally by positioning a phase-space-localized wave packet at the center of a stable island or navigating it around its periphery. This work provides a valuable starting point for further engineering of electronic wave functions.
We show that dynamics can, in general, be used to enhance the coherence of a Hamiltonian ensemble and we analyze the transient coherence using the coarse-grained entropy. We illustrate this concept using a Rydberg atom subject to an impulsive momentum transfer or ``kick.'' Classical simulations predict that the wave packet generated by the kick undergoes strong transient phase-space localization, which forms an excellent starting point for its further control and manipulation. Moreover, we show that such localized states can be ``trapped'' for extended periods using a train of subsequent kicks.