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Quantum dynamics of bouncing atoms in a stable gravitational cavity

  • Atom and Neutron Optics
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Abstract

Two-level atoms bouncing in a stable gravitational cavity are considered, where the atomic mirror at the bottom of the bounces is an evanescent wave caused by an internally reflected intense Gaussian-mode laser beam. We consider the broadening mechanisms of the atoms from their initially tightly spaced position distribution, using a phenomenological semi-classical model, which includes spontaneous emission. A fully quantum model, which neglects spontaneous emission, is derived, and the broadening of the atomic wave function in the quantum model is compared with the broadening of the atomic distribution in an analogous classical simulation where spontaneous emission is similarly neglected. We find that the broadening is correctly described by the classical simulations in the horizontal directions, while it significantly underestimates the broadening in the vertical direction.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand

    G. J. Liston, S. M. Tan & D. F. Walls

Authors
  1. G. J. Liston
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  2. S. M. Tan
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  3. D. F. Walls
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Dedicated to H. Walther on the occasion of his 60th birthday

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Liston, G.J., Tan, S.M. & Walls, D.F. Quantum dynamics of bouncing atoms in a stable gravitational cavity. Appl. Phys. B 60, 211–227 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01135865

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01135865

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