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

Negative refraction of low temperature gases for quantum matter waves enables localization beyond the wavelength limit

Florian Pinsker

Published Nov 13, 2014• 0 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

Starting from fundamental multiple scattering theory it is shown that negative refraction indices are feasible for matter waves passing a well-defined ensemble of scatterers. A simple approach to this topic is presented and explicit examples for systems of scatterers in 1D and 3D are stated that imply negative refraction for a generic incoming quantum wave packet. Essential features of the effective scattering field, densities and frequency spectrum of scatterers are considered. Additionally it is shown that negative refraction indices allow perfect transmission of the wave passing the ensemble of scatterers. Finally the concept of the superlens is discussed, since it is based on negative refraction and can be extended to matter waves utilizing the observations presented in this paper. This paves the way for 'untouchable' quantum systems in analogy to cloaking devices for electromagnetic waves.

Related papers

Multiple scattering induced negative refraction of matter waves

Florian Pinsker

Starting from fundamental multiple scattering theory it is shown that negative refraction indices are feasible for matter waves passing a well-defined ensemble of scatterers. A simple approach to this topic is presented and explicit examples for systems of scatterers in 1D and 3D are stated that imply negative refraction for a generic incoming quantum wave packet. Essential features of the effective scattering field, densities and frequency spectrum of scatterers are considered. Additionally it is shown that negative refraction indices allow perfect transmission of the wave passing the ensemble of scatterers. Finally the concept of the superlens is discussed, since it is based on negative refraction and can be extended to matter waves utilizing the observations presented in this paper which thus paves the way to 'untouchable' quantum systems in analogy to cloaking devices for electromagnetic waves.

Scientific Reports•Feb 9, 2016•5 citations

Negative-Index Media for Matter-Wave Optics

J. Baudon, M. Hamamda, Jules Grucker +4 more

We consider the extension of optical metamaterials to matter waves and then the down scaling of metaoptics to nanometric wavelengths. We show that the generic property of pulsed comoving magnetic fields allows us to fashion the wave-number dependence of the atomic phase shift. It can be used to produce a transient negative group velocity of an atomic wave packet, which results into a negative refraction of the matter wave. Application to slow metastable argon atoms Ar(3P2) shows that the device is able to operate either as an efficient beam splitter or an atomic metalens.

arXiv:0811.2479•Physical Review Letters•Apr 9, 2009•18 citations

Atom “Meta-Optics”: Negative-Index Media for Matter Waves in the nm Wavelength Range

M. Hamamda, G. Dutier, M. Boustimi +5 more

Meta-optics is extended to matter waves. “Co-moving” magnetic fields in Stern-Gerlach interferometers allows producing negative group velocity of atomic wave packets, resulting into a negative refraction of the matter wave and atom “meta-lenses”.

Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics•Jan 1, 2009•2 citations

Localization of a quantum particle by a perfect lens

Florian Pinsker

In this work I transfer the concept of a perfect lens (superlens) for light to matter waves satisfying Schroedinger equation. I argue that in the focus of the perfect lens highly localized quantum states appear in principle on a single spot within the 2D plane orthogonal to the axis of the lens. Using the concept of the superlens implies that the limit of the quantum particle's spatial localization (in the plane) is set only by imperfections of the aperture rather than of theoretical nature.

arXiv:1411.3594•Nov 13, 2014•0 citations

Multiple scattering of matter waves: An analytic model of the refractive index for atomic and molecular gases

Mikhail Lemeshko, Břetislav Friedrich

We present an analytic model of the refractive index for matter waves propagating through atomic or molecular gases. The model, which combines the Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin (WKB) treatment of the long-range attraction with the Fraunhofer model treatment of the short-range repulsion, furnishes a refractive index in compelling agreement with recent experiments of Jacquey et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 98, 240405 (2007)] on Li atom matter waves passing through dilute noble gases. We show that the diffractive contribution, which arises from scattering by a two-dimensional ``hard core'' of the potential, is essential for obtaining a correct imaginary part of the refractive index.

arXiv:1003.0854•Physical Review A•Aug 18, 2010•3 citations

Negative refraction for incoherent atomic matter waves

Thibault Vogt, Wenhui Li

In a recent paper [Phys. Rev. Lett. 102, 140403 (2009)], Baudon et al. reported that a comoving potential acting on atoms could mimic negative-index-refraction properties of left-handed photonic metamaterials. We show in this article that a better approximation is necessary in order to describe the real physical system proposed by Baudon et al. We derive analytical formulas and compare their solutions with numerical simulations. It turns out that instead of negative refraction, it is simply atomic reflection that occurs in the above-mentioned comoving potential. Furthermore, we find that the wave packet of the reflected atomic beam by comoving potentials can be narrowed by negative dispersion. Finally, we identify a potential configuration, near the interface with a cubic-type potential barrier, that may lead to the observation of negative refraction with incoherent matter waves.

Physical Review A•Mar 30, 2015•3 citations
Starting from fundamental multiple scattering theory it is shown that negative refraction indices are feasible for matter waves passing a well-defined ensemble of scatterers. A simple approach to this topic is presented and explicit examples for systems of scatterers in 1D and 3D are stated that imply negative refraction for a generic incoming quantum wave packet. Essential features of the effective scattering field, densities and frequency spectrum of scatterers are considered. Additionally it is shown that negative refraction indices allow perfect transmission of the wave passing the ensemble of scatterers. Finally the concept of the superlens is discussed, since it is based on negative refraction and can be extended to matter waves utilizing the observations presented in this paper. This paves the way for 'untouchable' quantum systems in analogy to cloaking devices for electromagnetic waves.
Starting from fundamental multiple scattering theory it is shown that negative refraction indices are feasible for matter waves passing a well-defined ensemble of scatterers. A simple approach to this topic is presented and explicit examples for systems of scatterers in 1D and 3D are stated that imply negative refraction for a generic incoming quantum wave packet. Essential features of the effective scattering field, densities and frequency spectrum of scatterers are considered. Additionally it is shown that negative refraction indices allow perfect transmission of the wave passing the ensemble of scatterers. Finally the concept of the superlens is discussed, since it is based on negative refraction and can be extended to matter waves utilizing the observations presented in this paper which thus paves the way to 'untouchable' quantum systems in analogy to cloaking devices for electromagnetic waves.
We consider the extension of optical metamaterials to matter waves and then the down scaling of metaoptics to nanometric wavelengths. We show that the generic property of pulsed comoving magnetic fields allows us to fashion the wave-number dependence of the atomic phase shift. It can be used to produce a transient negative group velocity of an atomic wave packet, which results into a negative refraction of the matter wave. Application to slow metastable argon atoms Ar(3P2) shows that the device is able to operate either as an efficient beam splitter or an atomic metalens.
In this work I transfer the concept of a perfect lens (superlens) for light to matter waves satisfying Schroedinger equation. I argue that in the focus of the perfect lens highly localized quantum states appear in principle on a single spot within the 2D plane orthogonal to the axis of the lens. Using the concept of the superlens implies that the limit of the quantum particle's spatial localization (in the plane) is set only by imperfections of the aperture rather than of theoretical nature.
We present an analytic model of the refractive index for matter waves propagating through atomic or molecular gases. The model, which combines the Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin (WKB) treatment of the long-range attraction with the Fraunhofer model treatment of the short-range repulsion, furnishes a refractive index in compelling agreement with recent experiments of Jacquey et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 98, 240405 (2007)] on Li atom matter waves passing through dilute noble gases. We show that the diffractive contribution, which arises from scattering by a two-dimensional ``hard core'' of the potential, is essential for obtaining a correct imaginary part of the refractive index.
In a recent paper [Phys. Rev. Lett. 102, 140403 (2009)], Baudon et al. reported that a comoving potential acting on atoms could mimic negative-index-refraction properties of left-handed photonic metamaterials. We show in this article that a better approximation is necessary in order to describe the real physical system proposed by Baudon et al. We derive analytical formulas and compare their solutions with numerical simulations. It turns out that instead of negative refraction, it is simply atomic reflection that occurs in the above-mentioned comoving potential. Furthermore, we find that the wave packet of the reflected atomic beam by comoving potentials can be narrowed by negative dispersion. Finally, we identify a potential configuration, near the interface with a cubic-type potential barrier, that may lead to the observation of negative refraction with incoherent matter waves.