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

arXiv:physics/0402032 · Physical Review A

Classical aspects of ultracold atom wave packet motion through microstructured waveguide bends

M. W. J. Bromley, Brett D. Esry

Published May 18, 2004• 38 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

The properties of low-density, low-energy matter wave packets propagating through waveguide bends are investigated. Time-dependent quantum-mechanical calculations using simple harmonic oscillator confining potentials are performed for a range of parameters close to those accessible by recent ``atom chip''-based experiments. We compare classical calculations based on Ehrenfest's theorem to these results to determine whether classical mechanics can predict the amount of transverse excitation as measured by the transverse heating. The present results thus elucidate some of the limits for which matter wave propagation through microstructures can be reliably considered using classical particle motion.

DOI
10.1103/physreva.69.053620

Related papers

Propagation of ultracold atoms through bends in waveguides

M. W. J. Bromley, Brett D. Esry

The properties of noninteracting, low-energy atom waves propagating through circular bends are investigated. Time-independent quantum mechanical calculations using various simple harmonic oscillator based confining potentials explore the transmission, reflection, and mode-transfer probabilities over a range of energies. It is shown that at low energies single-mode wave propagation dominates. At higher energies, however, excitation and transmission of other modes become significant. Notably, reflections generally remain negligible even for sharply curved bends. The behavior near the mode thresholds and their associated resonances is emphasized.

APS•May 1, 2003•0 citations

Propagation of ultracold atoms through bends in waveguides

M. W. J. Bromley, Brett D. Esry

The properties of noninteracting, low-energy atom waves propagating through circular bends are investigated. Time-independent quantum mechanical calculations using various simple harmonic oscillator based confining potentials explore the transmission, reflection, and mode-transfer probabilities over a range of energies. It is shown that at low energies single-mode wave propagation dominates. At higher energies, however, excitation and transmission of other modes become significant. Notably, reflections generally remain negligible even for sharply curved bends. The behavior near the mode thresholds and their associated resonances is emphasized.

Physical Review A•Oct 9, 2003•16 citations

Transverse excitations of ultracold matter waves upon propagation past abrupt waveguide changes

M. Koehler, M. W. J. Bromley, Brett D. Esry

The propagation of ultracold atomic gases through abruptly changing waveguide potentials is examined in the limit of noninteracting atoms. Time-independent scattering calculations of microstructured waveguides with discontinuous changes in the transverse harmonic binding potentials are used to mimic waveguide perturbations and imperfections. Three basic configurations are examined: steplike, barrierlike, and well-like with waves incident in the ground mode. At low energies, the spectra rapidly depart from single moded, with significant transmission and reflection of excited modes. The high-energy limit sees 100% transmission, with the distribution of the transmitted modes determined simply by the overlap of the mode wave functions and interference.

arXiv:physics/0411176•Physical Review A•Aug 3, 2005•5 citations

Manifestations of vortices during ultracold-atom propagation through waveguides

M. W. J. Bromley, Brett D. Esry

The possibility of generating vortices during matter-wave propagation through microstructures is examined. Vortices can arise solely due to wave interference in low-density ultracold atom clouds, and do not require any atom--atom (nonlinear) interactions. The properties of these ``interference vortices'' are understood from a simple two-mode model in a straight waveguide. This model is then applied to vortex creation in a circular bend since a circular waveguide bend is one of the simplest atom optical elements that can induce mode excitations. Time-independent and time-dependent analyses are used to investigate vortex creation and dynamics in these systems.

Physical Review A•Jul 12, 2004•6 citations

TIME-DEPENDENT EVOLUTION OF A WAVE PACKET IN QUANTUM SYSTEMS

Chi‐Shung Tang, Pi‐Gang Luan

We consider wave packet propagation in mesoscopic quantum systems. A number of approaches are compared to look at the general solution of a time-dependent Schrödinger equation and the validity of the Ehrenfest theorem. Detailed calculations are presented to illustrate the results of a charged particle motion in the time-dependent systems, and show that the Ehrenfest theorem is not directly applicable in topologically nontrivial systems.

International Journal of Modern Physics B•Sep 30, 2008•0 citations

Transverse mode imaging of guided matter waves

R. G. Dall, Sean S. Hodgman, Mattias Johnsson +2 more

Ultracold atoms whose de Broglie wavelength is of the same order as an extended confining potential can experience waveguiding along the potential. When the transverse kinetic energy of the atoms is sufficiently low, they can be guided in the lowest order mode of the confining potential by analogy with light guided by a single mode optical fiber. We have obtained the first images of the transverse mode structure of guided matter waves in a confining potential with up to $65%$ of atoms in the lowest order mode. The coherence of the guided atomic de Broglie waves is demonstrated by the diffraction pattern produced when incident upon a two dimensional periodic structure. Such coherent waveguides will be important atom optic components in devices with applications such as atom holography and atom interferometry.

Physical Review A•Jan 7, 2010•20 citations
The properties of low-density, low-energy matter wave packets propagating through waveguide bends are investigated. Time-dependent quantum-mechanical calculations using simple harmonic oscillator confining potentials are performed for a range of parameters close to those accessible by recent ``atom chip''-based experiments. We compare classical calculations based on Ehrenfest's theorem to these results to determine whether classical mechanics can predict the amount of transverse excitation as measured by the transverse heating. The present results thus elucidate some of the limits for which matter wave propagation through microstructures can be reliably considered using classical particle motion.
The properties of noninteracting, low-energy atom waves propagating through circular bends are investigated. Time-independent quantum mechanical calculations using various simple harmonic oscillator based confining potentials explore the transmission, reflection, and mode-transfer probabilities over a range of energies. It is shown that at low energies single-mode wave propagation dominates. At higher energies, however, excitation and transmission of other modes become significant. Notably, reflections generally remain negligible even for sharply curved bends. The behavior near the mode thresholds and their associated resonances is emphasized.
The properties of noninteracting, low-energy atom waves propagating through circular bends are investigated. Time-independent quantum mechanical calculations using various simple harmonic oscillator based confining potentials explore the transmission, reflection, and mode-transfer probabilities over a range of energies. It is shown that at low energies single-mode wave propagation dominates. At higher energies, however, excitation and transmission of other modes become significant. Notably, reflections generally remain negligible even for sharply curved bends. The behavior near the mode thresholds and their associated resonances is emphasized.
The propagation of ultracold atomic gases through abruptly changing waveguide potentials is examined in the limit of noninteracting atoms. Time-independent scattering calculations of microstructured waveguides with discontinuous changes in the transverse harmonic binding potentials are used to mimic waveguide perturbations and imperfections. Three basic configurations are examined: steplike, barrierlike, and well-like with waves incident in the ground mode. At low energies, the spectra rapidly depart from single moded, with significant transmission and reflection of excited modes. The high-energy limit sees 100% transmission, with the distribution of the transmitted modes determined simply by the overlap of the mode wave functions and interference.
The possibility of generating vortices during matter-wave propagation through microstructures is examined. Vortices can arise solely due to wave interference in low-density ultracold atom clouds, and do not require any atom--atom (nonlinear) interactions. The properties of these ``interference vortices'' are understood from a simple two-mode model in a straight waveguide. This model is then applied to vortex creation in a circular bend since a circular waveguide bend is one of the simplest atom optical elements that can induce mode excitations. Time-independent and time-dependent analyses are used to investigate vortex creation and dynamics in these systems.
Ultracold atoms whose de Broglie wavelength is of the same order as an extended confining potential can experience waveguiding along the potential. When the transverse kinetic energy of the atoms is sufficiently low, they can be guided in the lowest order mode of the confining potential by analogy with light guided by a single mode optical fiber. We have obtained the first images of the transverse mode structure of guided matter waves in a confining potential with up to 6565%65 of atoms in the lowest order mode. The coherence of the guided atomic de Broglie waves is demonstrated by the diffraction pattern produced when incident upon a two dimensional periodic structure. Such coherent waveguides will be important atom optic components in devices with applications such as atom holography and atom interferometry.